Saved by Works of Faith

What does the Bible teach about salvation? Are we saved by works, or by Faith? Many opinions exist on this topic. Many believe faith alone is what saves, while others believe we are saved by works. The Bible teaches that we are saved by both Faith and Works.

Paul stated in Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them.” We are saved by God’s grace even though we deserve death (Romans 6.23). However, notice that there are two types of works mentioned in this verse. Paul says, “not of works”, and then states that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works”. Paul is stating in this verse that we are not saved by works of merit which earn us heaven, but we are required to do good works that God prepared before the world began in order to be acceptable to him.

Peter stated the following about works in Acts 10:35 “But in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is acceptable to him.” What righteous works? Not those of our own choosing, but the ones that God prepared for us to do. We are not saved by faith alone, but by faith coupled with works. James teaches in James 2:24, “You see that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith.” James also stated “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” James 2:14,17-18.

Paul stated in Titus 3:5 “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” Again the Apostle teaches that we do not earn heaven by doing works. However, he continues to say, “that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people”, Titus 3.8. “And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.” Titus 3:14

When the whole picture is put together we clearly see the teaching of God regarding salvation by works and faith. We cannot earn heaven by working. Heaven is not a paycheck. However, we must do the good works that God requires of us in order to be saved. Devoting ourselves to good works proves our faith, justifies us, is excellent and profitable, and makes us fruitful.