Another Gospel “faith alone”!

[Harold]

If men are not justified by works, as I believe is the case since even our best works are as "filthy rags" (and you know what that is really comparing our works to), then your post is a distinction without a difference.

Yes, filthy referring to menstrual rags. The blood of man, all of whom are sinners, is never sufficient for salvation. The blood of Christ is sufficient for salvation.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[atpollard]

James 2:27: Faith without good works is a dead faith. Is that a distinction without a difference too?

No, that is confirmation that it is no accident that Ephesians 2:10 comes AFTER Ephesians 2:8-9. God saves us through the gift of faith SO THAT we may walk in good works. We do not walk in good works SO THAT God will save us.

James warned that if you have no Ephesians 2:10, then you should be seriously questioning whether you have Ephesians 2:8-9. Works invariably follow the transformation of Grace (God’s unmerited favor towards us).