Southern Baptist theology affirms the Reformation principle of justification by faith alone (sola fide) while affirming James 2:24 by interpreting works as the necessary fruit and evidence of genuine faith. The BFM2000 teaches that saving faith inevitably produces a regenerate life and good works. Works are the fruit of salvation, not the means of salvation.

Baptist reading of James 2 is harmonized with Paul's teaching in Romans and Galatians: faith justifies, and works are the manifestation of that justifying faith. A faith that produces no works is dead, lacking in genuine conversion.