Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ produces an inward change, which in turn is shown to others through outward actions. The question James asks here is, if there is no evidence of this inward change through outward actions, is faith in Christ real and, more importantly, is salvation assured. In his message, James is often misunderstood and seen as contradictory in light of the rest of the New Testament, but that is really not the case. James is trying to tell a very real and timely assessment of salvation as it relates to the faith and action of those who proclaim faith in Jesus Christ. In other words, are they following the path of faith by pretending to speak? Looking first at James 1:18, we see who is really responsible for our salvation. James answers the question: “Was it God or was it me?” The answer is of course that it is always God. One hundred percent of the time, God is responsible for our salvation through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, or as James says, through “the accomplishment of his own purpose.” So it is on this basis, through faith in God and trust in purpose, that we receive salvation. Only God can give us a new birth by knowing the true condition of the heart that makes salvation real and true. Allowing us to be born again, regenerated and the first fruits of His harvest. John MacArthur states in his commentary: “The most beautiful and graphic explanation of regeneration is found in Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus, a pious and well-respected Pharisee and teacher. " (Chapter 5, Section 2, Paragraph 6) MacArthur goes on to say that "the ruler only made a statement about Jesus and said nothing about himself or asked any questions of the Lord. But the Lord knew what was in the middle of the paper... (Martin, p.30) Martin continues by saying: “For him (Jacques), works do not replace faith, but are the proof of faith. (Martin, p.31) Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is inward change, which in turn perpetuates the visible outward signs of inward change in the form of works. Faith is equal to salvation and works are equal evidence. Works Cited Lea, Thomas (1999) Holman Commentary on the New Testament: Hebrews and James. [Kindle 3.0]. Retrieved from: Amazon.com. MacArthur, John Jr. (1998) MacArthur's New Testament Commentary: James. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers.Martin, RA (1982) Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament: James, 1-2 Peter, Jude. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House. Patterson, Dorothy Kelley, Rhonda Harrington Kelley. (2006) Women's Gospel Commentary: New Testament. Nashville, Tennessee: Broadman and Holman Publishers.