What does the Bible say about religious works and salvation?

According to the Bible, particularly in the context of Isaiah 29, there is a strong warning against relying on religious works for salvation. The people in Israel were diligent in their religious practices but failed to recognize the salvation God provided in His Son, Jesus Christ. In their zeal for these works, they missed the true essence of worship, which is to know and trust in Him. This is reinforced by Paul in Romans, where he states that 'Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded' (Romans 11:7). This illustrates that salvation is by grace alone, through faith in Christ, not through our efforts or religious duties.