When I was wrestling through what to believe about the message of James chapter 2. I think verses 18 & 19 actually were the verses that clarified what I believed on the subject.

"But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe-and tremble." NKJV

True faith always results in works. Empty faith is not true faith; it can neither save nor produce good works.

"Just as a motor produces power because electrical current flows into it, so a Christian produces good deeds because true faith empowers him." (New Testament Commentary on James by Simon J Kistemaker)

Verse 21 offers no conflict with Paul. James appeals to Gen. 22, while Paul appeals to Gen. 15. In the sight of God Abraham was justified long before he offers Isaac on the alter. Abraham is justified to human eyes in Gen. 22 when he shows his faith in obedience.

Tom