Catechesis

Second, the subject matter itself shows that the works spoken of here follow faith and that such faith is not dead, but living and effective in the heart. James did not believe that we earn forgiveness of sins and grace by good works. After all, he is talking about the works of those who have been justified, who have already been reconciled and accepted, and who have received forgiveness of sins.—Ap V:125 [IV:246] commenting on James 2:24, and quite in harmony with what we sing: “For faith alone doth justify; works serve the neighbor and supply the proof that faith is living.”