Thank you for the question on James 2:14, “If good works are not required for salvation, why does the Bible say faith without works is dead in James 2:14?”
If a person states that s/he believes something, there must be some action that stems from one’s declaration. If there isn’t any action, then it is a hollowed statement.
If one states that one is a Christian and has experience salvation from God, it is reasonable to assume that there will be some evidence of change in that person’s life. The reason is one has experience the regeneration of the Spirit of God that person’s spiritual dimension is awaken. There will be a desire to want to learn more about God, to pray, to be godly.
Philippians 2 says this, “12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (NIV).
James says this, “14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder” (NIV).
The point of James is that even the demons believe there is a God. The demons do not doubt the existence of God, but that belief does not change their conduct. The demons believe there is a coming day of judgment on them, but they still persist in their course of action.
A person can know John 3:16 and not believe it. A person who knows John 3:16 and believes it will experience God working in his/her life.
Philippian 2 states correctly that a person who believes will be working out their salvation, not working for their salvation. This is further confirm in Ephesians 2:8–10 says this, “8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (NIV).
SUMMARY: If a light has been turned on in someone’s life, that light will flow through that person’s attitude and action.