James 2:18b — 'I will show you my faith by my works' — works demonstrate faith, faith is still the issue

James's point in verse 18 is that faith cannot be visibly demonstrated without works. He does not say works save; he says works are how faith is proven/shown to others. 'Show me your faith apart from your works' is a challenge — you cannot show faith without works. Works are the evidence of faith, not the means of salvation.