How do we know that works righteousness is incompatible with grace?

The incompatibility of works righteousness and grace is highlighted in the sermon when it is noted that works cannot justify or sanctify us before God. As Paul states in Galatians 2:16, 'a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ.' This reveals that any attempt to gain God's approval through works ultimately fails to meet the divine standard. The grace of God, however, is sufficient for our justification and sanctification as it is based on Christ's finished work, not our own imperfect efforts. Thus, any religious system promoting works as a means to earn God’s favor stands in opposition to the free grace provided through the Gospel.