What does Scripture say about the nature of unregenerate works?

Romans 6:21 reminds us that the end of unregenerate works is death, revealing that even the best efforts of the unregenerate are tainted by sin. The heart of an unregenerate person is at enmity against God, thus their works are seen as attempts to earn merit rather than expressions of authentic faith (Romans 8:7). Unto the defiled, nothing is pure, illustrating that all works aimed at earning favor from God are ultimately unacceptable. In contrast, Christ's completed work allows believers to produce works that are cleansed and pure, accepted by God through His grace.