James 2:14-26 is often misunderstood. And a great many hang their interpretive hat on vs. 17, 21-26
James 2:17 (ESV) 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:21–26 (ESV) 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
In the YouTube video below I address that issue head-on. I loaded the video some time ago. Then for some reason, it became restricted. So click here or the picture below. It will take you directly to the video. I think you will find it instructive.
I guess the “Powers To Be” were deeply offended by the Biblical concept that no works of righteousness can save a person.
Titus 3:5 (NKJV) 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
Any attempt to take any credit through works of righteousness in total or part is nothing more than self-righteousness.
Isaiah 64:6 (NKJV) 6 But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.
Mark 2:17 (NKJV) 17 … “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Lu. 5:32)