"Works" in Paul & James

Paul's teaching on justification by faith is not contradictory to James' teaching on justification by works. The reason is because the faith that justifies is the faith that works. There is a difference in "works of faith" vs. works of law. So, James' focus is on works of faith, whereas Paul's reference to works in Romans 4 is focused on works of law of which a person could boast.

Many people confuse the two and conclude that man neither can nor should attempt to do anything for salvation. Romans 11:6 connects faith to grace and Galatians 3:26 connects faith to baptism because baptism is a work of faith. Grace does not exclude baptism. Similarly, salvation by "grace through faith" (Eph. 2:8-9), also consists of God's plan of His provision and promise of grace and man's response of faith.