Really ? What about the thief on the cross? His good work was??????
I know Catholics make doctrine out of silence...but that leaves the field wide open for much error
As an example.. Christ was really a space alien who "rose" in a space ship.. I know this because scripture does not say it is not true.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
There are two factors at work (hah) here. First is that public confession of Christ is a work, it is an act of faith, an "auto de fe" even. Second, that event happened before the institution of the Church... before the completion of the death, resurrection and ascension of Our Lord even.