Many claim that it is by "faith alone" that we are justified, but actually, "faith alone" never occurs in Scripture. Actually, there is one passage that has the phrase "faith alone," but unfortunately, it is James 2:24: "You see then that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone"? (James 2:24)
What then? Have we become legalists and rejected God's grace? Far from it. There is a world of difference between "justified by works" and "earned it by works," just as "justified by faith" conveys a very different meaning from "earned it by faith." We soberly affirm that obedience ("works") plays a role in salvation (and not just "faith alone"), but we do not exalt ourselves above grace. Does this sound contradictory? We gladly admit that salvation is a gift of God's grace, but God places conditions upon the gift, namely, that we love and obey Him (Galatians 5:4). Please restrain from judgment until first hearing us out. This section is under construction, but a few articles are currently available:
Faith and Works: A Contextual Study - By Jeremiah White. A sober and objective look at the doctrine of justification by faith alone (also known as "solifidianism", often inseparable from "easy-believism"). Brother Jeremiah explains the meaning of Paul's writings in light of context, as well as the significance of Old Testament examples such as Abraham and Moses.
Printable version (.pdf)
Works, Faith and Salvation - By Jerry Williams "Hat Zair." Great biblical insight on the topics of eternal security, faith alone, and holiness.
Faith Alone Re-examined - By Nick Liguori. A contextual look at relevant passages in the writings of Paul and James.
Other Related
Romans 7: Fixing the Yoke of Carnality Upon Paul's Neck - Does Romans 7:14-25 teach "the Christian experience," and that it's impossible not to sin?
A Conversation Between an Antinomian and the Apostles - By John Fletcher (18th century Methodist). A must read!
The Antinomian Prayer - By John Fletcher. Another must read.
Off-site Articles
Recommended Resources
Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up By David Bercot
How Do We Harmonize Paul and James? By David Bercot (compact disc)
What the Early Christians Believed About Salvation By David Bercot (compact disc)
Faith Without Works By Lyndon Conn
James Burton Coffman's Commentary on James 2