What does the Bible say about good works and salvation?

The Scriptures emphasize that salvation is by grace through faith alone, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). While good works are an important evidence of faith, they do not serve as a basis for salvation. Even the best efforts of an unbeliever, such as moral behavior or self-improvement, cannot provide assurance of salvation because true assurance is rooted in Christ's finished work and not in human efforts. This distinction is critical as it highlights that any fruit that a person boasts in must be derived from faith in Christ's death and righteousness, not from self-derived righteousness.