I'm upset because this thread was, IMHO, wrongly edited by the improper invocation of the "no personal attacks" rule concerning a religious-philosophical subject which requires people to express personal opinions ABOUT others personal opinions, because THAT'S THE SUBJECT!
As for what passes as YOUR personal opinion concerning this subject, I would ask you why you express it at all? For isn't it a "good work" to tell people that "good works" don't get you into heaven? So - are you promulgating this teaching out of egoic desire to be seen as a teacher, out are you doing it because Jesus taught you to spread this teaching? And if the latter, is that not "work," and how is it not "good"?
Do you know what "good works" ACTUALLY refers to, and why it is said to not only be inadequate, but also detrimental to the spiritual path? Because it is refering to the EGO. It is referring to doing something "for God" with the belief that the positive effect it has is a result of your personal effort - rather than being a success that results from God's Grace flowing through whatever you do. The difference is enormous, but it has nothing whatsoever to do with the idea that you don't have to make any effort. In fact, yo have to make massive, continuous effort - but offer all of it to God, and claim no success for yourself. THAT is "not" doing "good works."
Wow. There are some good critical thinkers, still here. Well stated. Thank you, Talisker.