What does the Bible say about salvation and works?

According to Titus 3:5, salvation comes not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy. This highlights that our own efforts are insufficient; it is only through God's grace and the sacrificial work of Christ that we are saved. Our inherent sinful nature, as described in verse 3, demonstrates that we were foolish, disobedient, and enslaved to our sins, making it clear that our righteousness is like filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6). Thus, salvation is entirely a work of God, aimed at glorifying Christ rather than ourselves.