James 2:
17 - Even so faith,if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 - Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 - Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 - But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
These verses provide the simplest genesis of the concept of “saving” Grace.
Jesus answered what is the work God desires of man, when He was asked. Paul explained what happens AFTER the human spirit is cleansed and the Holy Spirit comes to indwell ... ‘be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.’ THAT is the ‘work’ which God does and without which the mouthing of believing in Jesus is dead profession. Jesus told Nicodemus (John 3) that you must be born again. The exchange in which this came up was wrapped up in child birth, etc. A womb-bound child cannot act in the air world until born. Salvation comes first, then God’s indwelling Spirit brings forth works of righteousness. Without the Life of God in the soul/spirit of man (or woman), the character of God cannot be brought forth in a man(or woman).
What about Ephisians 2:8, 9 ???
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast Ephesians 2:8, 9
Grace is a free gift...
You cant buy it, bargain for it...or work for it...
You best works are as filthy rags to God...
What can you do that is better than Jesus dying on the Cross ????
The cross was a finished work...
Jesus Christ said so Himself “IT IS FINISHED”
And what kind of faith ???
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God): for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:1, 6