Faith in Jesus without good works results in decay and death for the soul of the individual. Consequently, faith in Jesus with good works results in health and abundant life for the soul of the individual, but this has nothing to do with eternal salvation. People are saved by faith in Jesus alone without the addition of any of their good works. 100% Him, 0% us, so He gets all the glory.
Look at who the book of James is written to: “To the TWELVE TRIBES which are scattered abroad:” – James 1:1
James is addressing his letter to the nation of unconverted/unbelieving Israel, pleading with them to put their faith alone in Jesus Christ.
Therefore, the true use case scenario for “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26) is to urge unbelievers to be genuinely saved.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:23-24, Titus 3:5-7, Galatians 2:16, 2 Timothy 1:9, Romans 4:2-3, James 2:19