The thief on the cross
i agree, it's because not all faith can save, meaning not all kinds of faith is genuine, FAITH IN CHRIST alone can save, and if one claims that he has this faith it will manifest in his actions and in his life. He will not live the way he live before God transformed him, the old has gone and the new has come (2 cor 5:17). No amount of good works can save. I dont deny that a true believer should perform good works, whats wrong with this view is that we are trying to equate faith and works, No. James is very clear that FAITH should have fruits which is good works, NOT faith and works in order to attain salvation. Take for example the thief on the cross, Christ promise him salvation, did you see him do good works before Christ save him?
And we should also remember that good works is not limited on on doing something for your neigbour, praying is good works, reading the bible and meditating upon it is good works, let us not FORCE our self in doing good works for it will come naturally if we really have that saving faith in Christ. we hate hypocrisy right?
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1Cor 10:31