A seminal article ... But on Works-Righteousness: it's not dead; just equivocated around (Council of Trent, notwithstanding) and being preached on the flip-side of Justification by LCMS. But briefly, if I hear one more closet papist cite "James" to me, I think I am going to scream (though I take your point of the vine and the branch)! James the "epistle of straw" that Luther characterized as "viel guter Sprueche", "some good spray" or "some good sayings", but little else. Who, kept the book in his canon effectively as New Testament Apocrypha, and that “only the Popists accept James” with “Ich werde einmal mit dem Jekel den offen heizen” (Someday I will use James to fire my stove). Luther all but banned it from being taught at Wittenberg. I can agree with his observations and actions. Flanagan obviously has not grasped the article clearly, nor digested the message of Eph2:8-10. Nor, indeed, heeds the admonition of Matt. 7:16-20. In fact, he would be better informed by James3:6, 11 than the James2 section to which he alludes, and which absolutely contradicts Eph2:8-10. Next, we will hear (as has been preached to me lately; LCMS) that one is in peril of the Narrow Door slamming in ones face and one is headed to Hell, if after Justification, one's "works" are not deemed worthy enough, "just not good enough" (just how much would ever be enough, good enough?), or that they haven't been dangled about like some freshly caught wet mackerel on a shiny lure! Sound familiar? Indulgences anyone? Anyone who insists on this, I contend, denies the Holy Spirit's workings and blasphemes against it (as does this "James" author looking for signs, like the Pharisees). In like manner, so to the insistence on "fruit checking" and dissecting such works that are entirely the province of the Spirit. Who, will take as long as necessary to affect; evident (or not) as needed to work a lifetime of sanctification (Matt 7:1-2, 6). He will show you what He needs to show you in His own time (Romans 8:16); you will recognize it for what it is ... or, when and if it is a dead branch. As to "fearing" James2:17 ...? I fear that it will not be abandoned soon enough. Its mis-use becoming far to prominent as a cuddle excuse to preach hell-fire, damnation; invite potential abuse, on a slippery-slope of indulgences and percentages, a papist road to ruin. ... Just a thought ...