The go-to passage that Works Salvationists turn to when they need to defend their unbiblical position is James 2. I've made a video explaining the entire chapter in context. But, one of the verses in particular that I want to touch on is verse 19.
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." - James 2:19
They will claim that this means that the demons could be saved if they had good works. But because the demons merely believe, they won't be saved. In the same way, humans cannot be saved by merely believing.
There are many issues with this. For one, mere belief IS enough to be saved.
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." - John 3:36
But more specific to James 2, even if the demons had good works, they couldn't be saved.
Can Demons Be Saved?
Jesus took the form of a man to pay for the sins of humanity.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:14-16
If Jesus had not taken on the form of a Human, being tempted to sin in every way we are, yet without sin, he would not have been able to pay our sin debt.
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." - Romans 5:12-19
Jesus did not take the form of an angel to pay for the sins of fallen angels. The Bible even says that the angels desire to have what we have.
"Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into." - 1 Peter 1:12
Therefore, fallen angels (demons) cannot be saved. No matter how much they believe, no matter how many good works they perform, they will still be condemned to hell. They have no savior to bring them salvation. But we do. So, come boldly to the throne of grace and receive the free gift of Salvation.
What did James mean?
If James was teaching that merely believing in Jesus, he would be in contradiction with the rest of the council of scripture.
Just a few verses:
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:15-16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." - John 3:16-18
"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." - Romans 4:5
So, what did James mean then?
The point James was making IS that the demons believe. He IS saying that the demons lack good works. And he IS admonishing us to not be like the demons. However, James is not talking about Salvation. James is simply saying that when we sin, we are acting like the Devil. As a Christian who loves and appreciates what Jesus did for us, we should not want to live in sin, serving the devil. Instead, we should want to walk in obedience to Christ.
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." - John 14:15
Conclusion.
James is writing to encourage us to be bold in Good Works. To not walk after the flesh as we used to walk. He is not teaching any new doctrine on Salvation. Rather, James is answering the question of, "I'm saved, now what?"
His answer is this:
"Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only [...]" - James 1:22
So go out, be doers of the word. Walk in obedience to Christ; and know that we are not working to be saved, but rather, we are working out of a love and appreciation for Jesus. Amen.
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