Eph. 2 doesn't do that. It specifies that grace doesn't come from works, but it also says that both faith (v.8) and works (v.10) are products of saving grace.
Some have tried to make a distinction that there are all sorts of different categories of works, and that ALL of these verses and others refer to only a small category, and thus, works independently chosen are still a separate element of salvation. Some have said that "works of love", somehow not referred to in any of these verses, are the ones that count.
Yes, that is the Catholic teaching. It is also true that works of love are a part, the central part, of Christian law. They are not, however, a part of Mosaic ceremonial or Roman civil law; if works of love are done because there is a law that makes you do them, then indeed they are no longer works of love.
Eph. 2 doesn't do that. It specifies that grace doesn't come from works, but it also says that both faith (v.8) and works (v.10) are products of saving grace.
Well, faith and works ARE products of saving grace. I perceived your argument to be that faith came first, then grace. In any event, I was answering the question of HOW saving grace shows itself in this world such that it SAVES. It does not do so, per the passage, through works. Rather, it does so through faith ......... alone. Sanctification, which involves works, comes later, after salvation is complete through faith.
It is also true that works of love are a part, the central part, of Christian law. They are not, however, a part of Mosaic ceremonial or Roman civil law; if works of love are done because there is a law that makes you do them, then indeed they are no longer works of love.
Well, first you say that works of love are part of "Christian law". I am fine with this and we both know the scripture to back that up. But then, you say that if we do a work of love because of some law that it is no longer a work of love. How can we follow Jesus then??? :) I try to follow the law we are talking about because I want to please God.