The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is by faith apart from works. As we come to consider this section in the letter of James, we can be sure that he is not saying that we must do good deeds in order to be saved. This would be in direct conflict with other portions of God's Word. James is dealing with a different issue altogether. His claim is that if their faith is genuine, saving faith, it will result in a changed life.
Works are a necessary result of saving faith.
This person is saying he has faith hut he has no works. Both says and has are in the present tense and may indicate a persistent or continuing condition. This person regards himself as a Christian because of his agreement with certain facts relating to Christianity. He is not agreeing that the claimant actually has faith. This second question focuses attention on the real issue, which is salvation.