But the works have nothing to do with salvation itself.
Salvation is by grace. It is a gift.
If it were by works, then it wouldn't be a gift, it would be wages.
The WAGES of sin, is death.
But the GIFT of God is eternal life.
+1
Agreed.
You have stated the Catholic doctrine well.
Catechism #2005: ‘Since it belongs to the supernatural order, grace escapes our experience and cannot be known except by faith. We cannot therefore rely on our feelings or our works to conclude that we are justified and saved. However, according to the Lord’s words “Thus you will know them by their fruits.”’