Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ produces inner change, which in turn is shown to others through outward actions. The question posed here by James is: If there is no evidence of this internal change due to external actions, then faith in Christ is real and, more importantly, salvation is sure. James in his message is often misunderstood and seen as contradictory in light of the rest of the New Testament, but in reality this is not the case. James is trying to provide 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 walking the walk of faith by claiming to speak? Looking first at James 1:18 we see who is actually responsible for our salvation. James answers the question, “Was it God or was it me?” The answer of course is 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 puts it, “the fulfillment of His purpose.” It is on the basis of this then, 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 reborn, regenerate and become the first fruits of His harvest. John MacArthur states in his commentary: "The most beautiful and graphic explanation of regeneration is in Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus, a devout and highly respected Pharisee and teacher." (chapter 5, section 2, par. 6) MacArthur goes on to say that “The leader made only one statement about Jesus and did not say anything about himself or ask the Lord a question. But the Lord knew what was… in the middle of the paper… (Martin, p.30) Martin goes on to say, “For him (James) works are no substitute for faith, but are the evidence of faith ”. (Martin, p.31) Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is internal change, which in turn perpetuates the outward visible signs of internal change in the form of works. Faith equals salvation and works equals proof. 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) Augusta Commentary on the New Testament: James, 1-2 Peter, Jude. Minneapolis, MN: Augusta Publishing House. Patterson, Dorothy Kelley, Rhonda Harrington Kelley. (2006) Woman's Gospel Commentary: New Testament. Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers.