Human beings should be like the earth and bear fruit. When you give to the poor, you are bearing fruit which you will gather in for yourself, since the reward for good deeds goes to those who perform them. You are going to leave your money behind you here whether you wish to or not. On the other hand, you will take with you to the Lord the honor that you have won through good works.

—Basil the Great, Sermon on Charity 3.6.31

As you read this remember that faith perforce expresses itself in obedience, and Christian obedience always manifests itself in good works. Basil is not preaching salvation by works but rather a manifestation of saving faith.