Johan,

Thank you for the reply. The works Paul seems to be describing are works of the law; reading a bit more of the chapter in Romans we find:

"For if they which are of the law [be] heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, [there is] no transgression. Therefore [it is] of faith, that [it might be] by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all..."

The either/or Paul is developing here seems to be works of law or faith.

Do you think James is also talking about works of the law? Remember, he is describing Abraham, and the law wasn't given yet!

Best regards,
Mike