Ephesians 2

We were created to do good works. As Christians, we are commissioned to do good works. We are not saved by those good works. It's important to make that distinction. Good works comes after salvation. It is the resulting action from salvation and not the cause. As a matter of fact, before salvation Paul says that we are dead in our transgressions and sins. We are incapable of actually doing any good works. We are made alive by the spirit and by God's grace, and once we are alive, we are capable of fulfilling our purpose to do good works.

Don't be confused with whether we have to do good works or not. We certainly do not have to do anything for salvation, but realize that the natural result of salvation is good works. So, salvation that is not followed by good works may not have been salvation at all.