Over the centuries, there has been much debate over James’ words in this week’s passage about the question of whether we are saved good works or by faith alone. Thankfully, the sufficiency of Jesus’ work on the cross and the Apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:8-9 settles the issue, where Paul says we are saved by grace through faith alone, “not by works, so that no one can boast.” What James is really getting at in our passage is a different question: What is the nature of genuine faith? Typical of James, he does not mince words in making it clear that genuine faith in Jesus is always accompanied by works (action) — as opposed to simple mental assent. Faith without deeds, James claims is actually dead — worthless.