Saving Faith is a Working Faith

What does James mean when he says that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone? Is this a contradiction of Paul’s teaching that we are saved by grace through faith alone? Many Christians have struggled to explain how James and Paul can be reconciled, yet the answer is made plain by the text itself. James' intent was not to instruct his readers on how to become a Christian, but rather to explain the nature of authentic saving faith. He does not deny justification by faith alone, nor does he commend adding works to our faith in order to be saved. James' point is clear: saving faith inevitably produces spiritual fruit. Good works don’t save us, but they are the necessary evidence that we have been born again. The dead and useless faith either stops at mere profession or finds a measure of confidence in self-righteousness. A biblical and living faith not only professes, it takes action. It humbly believes unto salvation, and then works out of love for Christ and the enabling of the Holy Spirit.