How does God's grace relate to our works?

The relationship between God's grace and human works is profoundly illustrated in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in the parable of the laborers. While the laborers worked in the vineyard, their rewards were not contingent upon how much they had worked but were instead given as a gift. This exemplifies the principle that while good works are the fruit of genuine faith, they do not merit salvation or a greater standing before God. As stated in Ephesians 2:8-9, we are saved by grace through faith, and this is not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. Thus, our works are a response to grace, serving as evidence of our salvation rather than a means to obtain it.