Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?  You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the scripture was fulfilled which says, "And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God.  You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.  In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?  For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Two examples of faith.  Two examples of works.

Why do we think Abraham was a faithful man?  Because of the way he responded to God's command to sacrifice Isaac?

Why do we consider Rahab a faithful woman?  Because of the way she responded to God's prompting?

James suggests that their faith is justified by what they did. 

Is there another way to justify our lives?  Is justification necessary?  Can I do something to be justified, or is justification simply dolled out to whomever God decides deserves it - and then, how do I deserve it?  Do I have any say in the matter?  Is it my choice to sin, and are good works (Godly works) the opposite of sin?

The works dilemma.