FreeGrace2 said:
James wasn't even discussing "saving faith". He was discussing that believers NEED TO demonstrate their faith to others so that others can see their faith.
So being justified has nothing to do with salvation.
Of course it does, but you are missing James' point. 2:18 proves that the ONLY WAY to show or demonstrate your faith is to have deeds or works.
And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
Galatians 3:8-9JPT
OK, here are some verses that deal with being justified or approved in the eyes of others.
James’ justification is in the eyes of others.
Col 4:5 - Be wise
in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
Rom 12:17 - Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
Rom 14:18 - because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and
receives human approval.
Luke 16:15 - He said to them (pharisees), you are the ones who
justifiy yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.
1 Pet 2:12 -
Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Clearly Peter is emphasizing that believers who live out their faith, not being hypocrites, will have a positive effect upon unbelievers.
1 Pet 2:15 - For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
Notice that is our ACTIONS (deeds) that silence others. iow, they SEE what we do.
1 Thess 4:12 - so that your daily life may
win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Respect = approval = justification in the eyes of men
1 Tim 3:7 - He must also
have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
Again, respect, approval, justification in the eyes of men
2 Cor 8:21 - For we are taking pains to
do what is right,
not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.
If this verse doesn't convince you, you don't want to be.
iow, if you want to convince others that you are a Christian, or have faith, you'd better have deeds/works to demonstate your faith.
You can argue all you want, but what I've presented is solid truth. You can reject it, but you can't refute it.