I think that view is consistent with how many believers in universal salvation, having rightly ditched the concept of hell from their thinking, interpret "salvation" as being forgiveness of sin. In my studies on the Biblical teaching of salvation, I have come to believe instead that while God's forgiveness is inherent in his plan of salvation, that salvation itself is not just the forgiveness of sin, but the HEALING of sin. In fact, the Greek word for salvation can be traced back to the concept of healing. And through His Angel to Joseph, God said that Jesus would not only forgive, but actually SAVE his people "FROM their sin."
So, James actually literally says that when faith results in good works, THEN salvation is realized, not salvation first, then good works. His statements have caused much theological debate and theories. However, if we look at it practically, what I have said, not only harmonizes James' literal words and phrasing, but makes common sense.
Take alcoholism as an example and filter it through James' words that we are not saved by faith alone.
If someone is an alcoholic, will faith alone save him from alcoholism? Of course not! An alcoholic, to be saved from alcoholism must also STOP drinking. That's the good work that stems from faith that saves him from his sin. He is not saved from alcoholism BEFORE that good work, but after.
And the Bible says that our healing is not of ourselves, but is by Grace. It is God that causes this to happen, as faith comes, and grace works within to cause the good work, altogether resulting in the salvation/healing.
