Confident Conviction

But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness Romans 4:5

Meaning, that we are justified completely by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Our confident conviction that Jesus is the ONLY means of salvation is rewarded with a righteousness provided on our behalf by Jesus Christ, which is required to enter Heaven. 

The opposite is true. Those who work to be justified or saved do not believe God or in His son, Jesus Christ. A definition of works is required here.  Works would be anything one does to gain God's approval and forgiveness other than trusting solely in the gospel.  The gospel being the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. 

The argument can be made that one can believe in God, but not have a clear understanding of salvation or justification.  A simple belief that God exist does not qualify one as being justified.  If this were the case, then Satan would be justified, because he believes God exist. 

There is more than just believing God exist.  This is where faith comes in to play.  Faith is the confident conviction in something or someone to the point of putting your life on the line. In this case, we are talking about a faith in Jesus and the gospel. 

According to James 2 we perform works because we are saved which in turn strengthens our faith.  Our faith leads to actions or works, not the other way around!