What is the role of works in salvation?

In Reformed thought, works are not the means to attain salvation but are the fruit of true faith. Romans 4:4 clarifies that to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt, confirming that human works cannot earn God’s favor. Instead, salvation comes through faith alone. However, genuine faith inevitably produces good works as its natural outcome, demonstrating the believer’s changed heart and life. This aligns with James 2:17, which states that faith without works is dead, indicating that while works do not save, they are a necessary result of authentic faith.