Romans 4:5 does not square with premise 1.
Topic: We are saved by works
Premise1: Work is defined by the dictionary as an "activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result."
Premise2: Man's faith comes from himself, not God
Conclusion: Believing Christ died and rose from the dead (faith) is a work for it is the "mental effort" of Christians done to "achieve the purpose" of salvation and obedience to God. Thus all those of as defined in premised 2 logically are of the opinion that "we are saved by works".
Romans 4:5 But to the one who does not work [that is, the one who does not try to earn his salvation by doing good], but believes and completely trusts in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is [a]credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God).
Romans 4:5 does not define the word WORK; the dictionary is the authority of the meanings of words and therefore Premise1 must be true or there is no authority for the meaning of words and communication breaks down.
Romans 4:5 says Believing is Not a work to which I am in agreement. Romans 4:5 does not tell one
why "believing is not a work".
I submit that believing is not a work because it is GOD that causes one to believe.
God does not contradict himself. He says believing is not a WORK and He says we are saved by
BELIEVING which is a work by definition.