How one should interpret the word "works" (Gk., ergon) when Paul speaks of our not being justified by works, or elected by works, depends on the context (as interpretation of any word always depends on context). And at least in some instances, the law of Moses is definitely not in view and so "works" cannot be restricted to, or mean anything like, "boundary markers," that is, sabbath, circumcision, and food laws; or faithfulness to the Mosaic law (as in the writings of James D. G. Dunn; see, for an example of the latter, his commentary on Rom. 9:11).
The reason for this, in some texts anyway, is that the "works" in view occur before the law was given. See, for example, Rom. 4:1-4; 9:11. Abraham did not have the Mosaic law, nor did Jacob and Esau (although Jacob and Esau would have had circumcision). So "works" in such contexts must have a broader meaning like "anything one does to try to earn or merit something" (as in Rom. 4:1-4) or "anything good or bad whatever, morally speaking" (as in Rom. 9:11).
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