What does it mean to say that faith is opposed to works?

The distinction between faith and works is critical in understanding salvation. Ephesians 2:9 emphasizes that salvation is not of works, lest any man should boast. This means that our efforts cannot earn us righteousness or favor with God. Instead, faith is the means by which we receive God’s grace. In Romans 4:5, it says, 'But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.' This indicates that faith is the only avenue to righteousness and is fundamentally different from a system of merit-based works.