Salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, not something earned by good works.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
- Romans 3:28 – “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
- Galatians 2:16 – “A person is not justified by the works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ.”
Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, emphasize that while faith is essential, works also play a role in salvation. These traditions do not see works as earning salvation but as a necessary response to faith.
- James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
- James 2:24 – “You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.”
- Matthew 25:34-36 – Jesus describes the final judgment, where those who cared for the hungry, sick, and imprisoned are welcomed into His kingdom.
Faith is the root of salvation and works is the fruit—evidence of genuine faith.
Key Thoughts:
- Faith leads to salvation, but true faith produces good works (John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit”).
- Works do not earn salvation, but they reflect a transformed life (Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works”).
- Grace enables both faith and works (Philippians 2:12-13 – “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose”).
Conclusion
The debate over faith vs. works often comes down to how one understands justification (being made right with God) and sanctification (the process of growing in holiness). While some emphasize faith alone, others stress that true faith inevitably results in a life of good works. Most Christians agree that salvation is ultimately by God’s grace, and both faith and works play a role in the believer’s journey.
