How does faith relate to works in a Christian's life?

In the context of Christian theology, faith and works are understood to be mutually exclusive when it comes to salvation. As articulated in Romans 11:6, if salvation is by grace, it cannot be by works; otherwise, grace ceases to be grace. This core principle emphasizes that faith is not a work itself but rather a reliance and trust in the saving power of Jesus Christ. Works, while essential as evidence of true faith, do not contribute to a person's standing before God. This highlights the necessity for believers to cling to faith as their sole means of justification, understanding that good works stem from a genuine faith that God has instilled within them through regeneration.