‘What does it profit, my brothers (and sisters), if a man say he has faith, but does not have works? Can that faith save him?'
We should note carefully precisely what is said. The man ‘says' he has faith. But the question is faith in what? If his faith does not make him active in doing good then it is not faith in the One Who went about doing good. Thus his faith will do him no good. For the only faith that is worthwhile, and that saves, is faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ, of glory (James 2:1). Those who have such faith cannot fail to be active in good works, for they will want to reveal His glory. Indeed He has specifically required it, They must let their light shine before men in order that men might see God's glory and give glory to Him (Matthew 5:16). Thus it is pointless calling Him ‘Lord, Lord', if we do not do what He says (Luke 6:46). It is a contradiction in terms.