How does grace interact with works in salvation?

Grace and works cannot coexist in the context of salvation because if works were involved, it would undermine the very nature of grace. Ephesians 2:9 explicitly states that salvation is 'not of works, lest any man should boast.' This means that no human effort contributes to our standing before God; it is solely by His grace that we are saved. This distinction is vital for understanding that boasting about one's works would contradict God's grace, which is all about His unearned favor towards sinners.