James 2 is not talking about salvation. If it was, it would contradict this:
Romans 4:5 KJV
[5] But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
In James 2, James is rebuking the Jewish Church for claiming to believe in giving Charity to the Poor. Meanwhile, they are favoring the rich over the poor.
James 2:3-4 KJV
[3] and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: [4] are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
They are not acting out their values that they claim to believe. They claim they love their neighbors, but they aren't being loving.
James 2:8-9 KJV
[8] If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: [9] but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Because of this, God is going to send plagues on them.
James 2:13 KJV
[13] For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
James tells them that simply believing in feeding the poor is not a substitute for actually feeding the poor.
James 2:15-17 KJV
[15] If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, [16] and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? [17] Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
This chapter has nothing to do with salvation. The appearance of the word "saved" is in reference to the judgement of God.
James 2:13-14 KJV
[13] For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [14] What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
1 Corinthians 11:30-32 KJV
[30] For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. [31] For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. [32] But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Putting your faith in Jesus Christ, that his death is getting you to heaven, does not necessitate works.
Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] not of works, lest any man should boast.
