What does the Bible say about works in relation to faith?

The relationship between faith and works is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, as clearly taught in the New Testament. Ephesians 2:8-10 indicates that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, yet it also states that we are created for good works that God prepared beforehand. This illustrates the importance of faith as the means of salvation, while also affirming that true faith will manifest in a life of obedience and good deeds. James 2:17 reinforces this by declaring that faith without works is dead, emphasizing that genuine faith naturally produces fruit in the life of a believer. Therefore, while works do not earn salvation, they are the evidence of a faith that is alive and active.