Why is it important for Christians to reject a mixture of grace and works?

Mixing grace and works presents a false gospel that diminishes the sufficiency of Christ's atonement. Elijah's confrontation on Mount Carmel exemplifies this by showing the futility of relying on false gods or human efforts for salvation. The doctrine teaches that grace must remain pure; introducing works creates confusion about the nature of salvation. If we attempt to merit salvation through our actions, we nullify the grace offered through Christ. Thus, the call is to rely fully on Jesus Christ alone for our standing before God, as any dilution shifts our focus away from the truth of the gospel.