Ok I am going to post the 3 views I am aware of and would love feedback.
Works are needed for eternal life. John 3:16 was not everything you need to receive it.. or a slight variation is that you gain it with belief but lose it with out works. Since the end result is identical I see no difference. Either way, if you are not good enough you don't make it, which puts you in the chair of saving yourself.
Works AUTOMATICALLY follow if you are a "real" believer. No works (or not enough works), no eternal life. Very similar to # 1 but a variation of it.
Works enhance your life and earn rewards AFTER you have become a believer and received eternal life. Failure to do so may lead to harsh consequences but not a loss of the gift of eternal life.
If you can think of something that does not fall into these, please share!