Justified by Works (Against the Words of Jesus)

Paul claims that no man is justified by the works of the Law. There are many examples to pull from, but let one suffice. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.^{Galatians 2:16. See also Romans 3:20, Galatians 3:11}

James wrote otherwise, saying works justifies man. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?^{James 2:20-22}

So Paul is in direct contradiction with James. However, Paul also claims to be an apostle, just like James, so perhaps this is an internal 'apostles only' dispute. We should look for some evidence that one side or the other is correct.

Fortunately, Luke recorded, There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.^{Luke 1:5, 6}

Paul's protégé, Luke, believes that people can be righteous and blameless before God by following the commandments of the Lord. Who is correct, Paul or Luke?

We have better evidnce confirming who is correct than Luke though. Jesus, our Lord, addressed this subject directly. For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.^{Matthew 16:27} Jesus said that works grant rewards, and thus man is justified by his works.

Value of this Evidence

This is indefensible evidence against Paul being a true apostle. A true apostle would not write something that would make a reader forced to choose between himself and Jesus. A true apostle would not say something so contradictory to his contemporaries.