'Works' in the Bible

He will reward each one according to his works:

eternal life to those who by perseverance in good works seek glory and honor and immortality,

For no one is declared righteous before him by the works of the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded! By what principle? Of works? No, but by the principle of faith!

For we consider that a person is declared righteous by faith apart from the works of the law.

For if Abraham was declared righteous by the works of the law, he has something to boast about -- but not before God.

Now to the one who works, his pay is not credited due to grace but due to obligation.

So even David himself speaks regarding the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

even before they were born or had done anything good or bad (so that God's purpose in election would stand, not by works but by his calling) --

Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but (as if it were possible) by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,

And if it is by grace, it is no longer by works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

The night has advanced toward dawn; the day is near. So then we must lay aside the works of darkness, and put on the weapons of light.