Basic Approach

I realize I could refute faith only with one or two verses, and that would suffice to point searchers in the right direction.

Jas 2:24  Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 

It has been pointed out that the only time "Faith" and "alone" are together in the scriptures thay have a "Not" in front of them.

James 2:24  just says what it says, you believe it or you are an unbeliever. Yet, there are a lot of clever rebuttals or clever disclaimers that can interfere with people fully accepting what is being said. Therefore I cover some common points groups may bring up. They provide a whole range of arguments.

1. James wasn't part of the original Bible.

2. It says it but isn't speaking of salvation.

3. yes, but faith was the real point etc.

4. You are teaching works only.

5. Luther believed the word "alone" should be added in other passages because it more correctly conveyed the meaning.

The only question is where in the salvation process the works James discusses actually apply, whether in baptism or repentance, or after absolution from a priest. Faith only has worked to over throw the faith by divesting works in any phase, and even those once faithful have begun to fall under its sway. Perhaps because the answers provided to refute faith only were too superficial and didn't provide enough historical information.

You may be surprised I have found over fifty arguments against faith only. Closer to 100 if you consider the ones not mentioned, yet, the basic scripture above, James 2:24, should be enough to settle the issue, but people have so watered it down it no longer means what it says to some people.

This website will require you to know some bible history, but that is ok. We should learn bible history. Study Genesis 1-22 well. 

Though many groups will agree with my main point, groups like Catholic will move some topics like baptism to grace only, protecting their view of infant baptism. Their idea of justified by works will be reduced to charitable deeds or worship after baptism, or acts of penance during absolution.

I try to place everything in the category it should be. Groups disagree in timing, but the reality is salvation isn't faith only. Here are some common beliefs of different groups. Keep in mind, dismissing faith only doesn't mean you understand works correctly.

Catholics - good works necessary after our initial salvation (Baptism and confirmation then good works)

Protestants - faith only after initial salvation (Baptism, confession, and absolution; then faith only)(This was the original usage)

Antinomial Baptist - faith only to receive initial salvation and all that follows. (Just have faith)

So, all of this is just going over their arguments. Which arguments apply depend upon the group you are relating to.