In Summa theologiae II-II, q. 4, a. 4, Saint Thomas Aquinas examines James 2:24 and the faith that does not justify. Thomas distinguishes between “faith formed by love” (what the Catholic Church teaches), and “faith not formed by love”, (what Protestants teach, starting with Luther), Thomas says that the faith of each is one and the same. They are not two different kinds of faith. Rather, love must form the faith. Otherwise, the faith is not salvific.(having the intention or power to bring about salvation or redemption) .Protestants don’t often think of faith in these terms and this leads to confusion about the Catholic position on faith and justification.

What does this mean?  It means each can have the same faith in Christ, belief, but only one is real and alive. Faith that is alive is perfected by works,( James 2:22).  True faith works together with works and by works it is made perfect.  That is exactly how Abraham's faith was tested.  His love for God was revealed in his obedience (works), in a willingness to sacrifice his son Issac for the Lord.  God provided the sacrfice in the end ultimately through Christ.  Abraham had the faith that was accounted to him for righteousness and the testing of that faith with his obedience was faith formed by love.  You see, faith that is alive is not afraid of works or obedience to the law, and faith that is being formed is ultimately leading to true faith in Christ in salvation as one becomes one with the Lord in obedience in servanthood.  Look to the Catholic church for true teaching on saving faith.  The Catholic church is not adding works to Christ perfect sacrificial offering for sin but stating faith without works is dead faith as James states in his epistle.  As one is baptized in Christ that faith grows through love and obedience (the works), to perfection.