2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV) – who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began
Galatians 3: 2-5 (ESV) – Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain-if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing of faith-
Salvation is by grace through faith. No amount of good deeds is going to ever be more than “filthy rags” before the Lord. There is no such thing as a Christian who doesn’t do good works. Good works come as natural as breathing for a Bible believing Christian. Through His grace and mercy and the Holy Spirit we strive daily, leaning on His strength, not our own, by faith to be a bit more Christ-like everyday.