Like 18:10-14 'Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted'.
Jesus Christ is the one speaking here. This man was justified by faith, without any works whatsoever. With his head bowed he prayed that God would be merciful to him a sinner. He was given mercy and regenerated right on the spot and totally justified by grace through that prayer of faith without one single bit of proof. He went home saved, forgiven, justified and cleansed from all sin. You know what, he didn't repent of his sin, he asked God to be merciful to him a sinner. This sinner believed in God's mercy and was justified, just like that, instantly. He did not have to prove a thing because he trusted God for mercy. He couldn't save himself or justify himself as a sinner, so he trusted God's mercy to do that.
Titus 3:5 'Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost'.
I'm going to try to say this as plainly as possible. Salvation is not by works. Works has nothing to do with the supernatural regeneration of a man's heart by the Holy Spirit. It is ALL grace, and not based on the merit or worth of the recipient of that grace.
That regeneration, being born again, changes who a man is, at his core. This new man's life will be different from his old life. He will grow in holiness and a desire for God and the things that God desires. It won't be all uphill; at times it will be one step forward and two steps backward. But, there will be a progressive sanctification in the man's life. According to scripture, the absence of this is evidence that his profession of faith lacks the supernatural work of God; he is not truly born again.
This has absolutely nothing to do with a man creating something that is acceptable to God. The works are not how you get to know God, please God, or stay in His favor. They are a byproduct of grace. Without them, you can't be certain that your profession of faith is valid. That is the point. It is NOT a works salvation. If you think that, you are "putting the cart before the horse." But if you think that sinners will inherit the kingdom of God because they accept something to be true, you are preaching a false gospel.
Faith is more than accepting something to be true. That is what James was differentiating when he said:
Jas 2:18 But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
Jas 2:19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder!
Jas 2:20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
Biblical faith is when you place all of your trust and life in Jesus Christ. Grace is the end of your life in exchange for His life. Grace is not a sloppy, sentimentality that allows a person to continue in sin. Grace changes a person's inner most being, causing that person to bring forth Godly fruit.
Tit 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
Tit 2:12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
Tit 2:13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
Tit 2:14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Tit 2:15
Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.