How do we know that faith without works is a valid doctrine?

James states in James 2:26 that 'faith without works is dead.' This indicates that true faith is not just intellectual assent but is evidenced by actions that reflect that faith. While Paul teaches that we are justified by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), James complements this by explaining that the faith which justifies is always active and operational, producing works. Therefore, it's not that works earn salvation, but they are the natural outflow of a genuine faith that has encountered the grace of God, proving the authenticity of one’s faith.