Man's proud heart rebels against the need of the GRACE OF GOD. He thinks that in some way or other his own arm can bring salvation to him.
But how clear is the Word of God! Salvation is "NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast." Eph. 2:99Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:9).
If by our own amendment, or goodness, or merit we could gain salvation, then we might well glory in what we had done.
GOOD WORKS do have a most important place. But they cannot gain salvation. Salvation is first, as a gift, by the free grace of God. THEN, and not till then, GOOD WORKS which flow from that salvation will be known and enjoyed. The TREE of salvation first:—then the FRUIT of good works will grow on that tree.