How does faith in Jesus Christ relate to works in salvation?

In Christian theology, particularly within the Reformed tradition, salvation is understood as a gift received through faith rather than merit earned through works. Ephesians 2:8-9 clarifies this relationship, stating, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." This underscores the belief that while good works are the natural outcome of faith, they do not contribute to or influence God's grace. Instead, true saving faith is accompanied by an acknowledgment of our inability to achieve righteousness through works, pointing us to the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and His redemptive work alone.