The Role of Works in Salvation: A Biblical Analysis

The Bible clearly emphasizes that our works are considered filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). This raises a fundamental question: If good works could secure our salvation, why did Jesus Christ die on the cross for our sins? This article delves into the biblical stance on justification by works and explores the necessity of faith in Christ alone for salvation.

Justification by Works vs. Justification by Faith

The idea of justification by works is deeply debated. According to Romans 2:7, God rewards those who “by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality.” However, this perspective is contradicted by numerous biblical passages that highlight human sinfulness.

Paul expounds in Romans 3:12, 'there is no one who does good, not even one.' Jesus reinforces this view in Mark 10:18, stating, 'No one is good—except God alone.' Furthermore, Scripture declares, 'There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins' (Ecclesiastes 7:20). This perspective underscores the inherent sinfulness of humanity, making it impossible for any individual to be justified by their own works.

Eternal salvation through Grace and Faith

The Bible presents a theology of salvation that centers on grace and faith. According to Romans 3:20-24, no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by observing the law. Instead, it is through faith in Jesus Christ that righteousness is obtained. This is also emphasized in Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, 'For it is by grace you have been saved through faith— and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.'

David’s words in Psalm 32:1 also resonate, 'Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.'

The necessity of faith in Christ is further highlighted by Romans 4:4-6, where it is said, 'Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, their faith is credited as righteousness. David says ... the man to whom God credited righteousness apart from works.'

The Role of Good Works in Salvation

While good works are necessary after one has been saved, they do not contribute to the justification process. Galatians 2:16 emphasizes, 'A person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.’ Good works, as stated in Ephesians 2:10, are the fruit of being made new in Christ, not the means of salvation. The passage says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 also resolved that salvation cannot be gained by works but is by the grace of God through faith (Acts 15:9).

Conclusion

The Bible teaches us that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. This grace is freely given and is not earned or justified by our works. Instead, it is a gift from God that we can receive through faith. As John 3:3-5 emphasizes, 'Translated: ‘unless one is born anew, one cannot see the Kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.’ This paints a picture of the transformative power of faith in Christ and the importance of being born again.

Therefore, it is crucial to understand that our salvation is not tied to our works, but to Christ’s work on the cross. It is in Him and through Him that we find true righteousness. As we seek to live faithful and obedient lives, let us do so not out of an expectation of earning salvation, but as an expression of gratitude for the grace we have already received.

Key Messages:

Salvation is not by works but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Christ’s death on the cross covers all sins. Works are the result of being made new in Christ, not the means to salvation. Belief in the teachings of the Bible is crucial for understanding salvation.