How do we know faith is essential for good works?

Faith is the root from which all good works spring. In the sermon, the woman's act of breaking the alabaster box was an act of faith that recognized Jesus as the Messiah. This is supported by Hebrews 11:6, which says that without faith it is impossible to please God. The Reformed perspective affirms that saving faith produces good works as its natural outcome. Genuine faith transforms the heart, enabling believers to act in ways that glorify God. Thus, any good work performed apart from faith ultimately lacks true merit in God's eyes.