Some people think that there is a conflict between faith and works. Some people speak of "works righteousness" as if there were any other kind of righteousness. We find that whoever does righteousness is righteous just like 1 John clearly states. It is human-generated works that are not righteous. The works that are by grace through faith are righteousness. They are God's righteousness. They are the free gift of righteousness. This righteousness is real and does real works. Grace does the works.

James 2:19-20, Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble... faith without works is dead?

Faith leads to works.

Real faith is this: God speaks His word into your heart; you believe Him; you obey Him by the power of His grace--in other words, God does His works through you as you yield the members of your body to Him. (some caveats about hearing God's Voice)

If the works are missing, faith is dead. Real faith has works.

Keep in mind that when God speaks, He doesn't always use words: "And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known to him in a vision, and will speak to him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?" Numbers 12:6-8 Now, in our day, we find that God leads through the Bible, through the conscience, through members of the Body of Christ, and through many other means. “You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute [incapable of articulate speech] idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:2-3)