Christians, salvation is all of God, but what about doing good works?

Question

People constantly say that faith without works is dead and James 2:20 would seem to back that up. Yet Ephesians 2:8-10 says that we are saved by grace, through faith, and not by works. Since God cannot lie and we accept the authority of Scripture, how can we reconcile these two seemingly contradictory positions?

Answer 1

Easy.  James 2 tell us.  We are not saved by our works, our works show proof of our salvation or evidence of our salvation.  Jesus said that "we'd know them by their fruits."  Jesus did say "GO and preach and teach" in Matt. 28:19-20, Mk. 16:15.  Jesus is giving us something to do, but not for ourselves.  Those who are saved plead with others to repent so God will save them from the wrath to come.

Isaiah 64:6 tells us our works are rotten.  Another thing to think about, all other religions besides Biblical Christianity teaches a works based salvation, but they still can't guarantee who will be saved or not.  God will only accept a perfect work and Jesus did just that.  He was sinless.  Any works we do, are just a slap in God's face.  The perfect payment for sins has been paid in full.  We are just commanded to repent and tell others to repent so they don't end up working for a salvation that has no guarantee.

Answer 2

  Good works come "after" salvation and done in faith. Works have absolutely nothing to do with salvation. These Scriptures don't even come close to contradicting each other. James is speaking to the "brethren" as seen in verse 1 of this chapter, who "don't" do good works "as Christians" and Ephesians is addressing the fact that salvation is not gained by good works, it is of grace through faith. Two totally differant subjects.

  

Answer 3

It's funny that you brought this up.  I just asked a similar question.

It seems that Christians are in disagreement over the matter, when I thought it was so clear from the Scriptures.

I will explain it the way I understand it, and I will wait to see what other explanations are given.

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Countless individuals have said “the sinners prayer” yet, as time went on, it became clear that something was lacking! Their lives were unchanged, therefore, it was NOT a work of God! After all, “faith without works is dead.” Saving grace really does begin with a prayer, but it doesn’t END there, or else something’s very wrong!

"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." (1 John 2:3-6 KJV)

"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV)

So, what was missing?

One can not TRULY put his faith in Jesus’ sacrifice without fully and completely recognizing the NEED for a Saviour!!! When we realize just how severe our sins are, in light of the holiness of God, this should bring us to our knees in humility! Recognizing that God has spared nothing to redeem us, leads such ones to sincere repentance. It is only then that one can truly accept the offer of redemption, putting his faith in Jesus' sacrifice. It is in this moment that one becomes “born again” and this will be evidenced by a changed life! Time will prove that he was not just “going through the motions.” And when the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23) become evident in his life, it is not through his own effort, but the power of God working to restore him!

Any credit we take for doing “good works” cheapens the Grace of God! And this is why we must acknowledge that is by faith, not works that we are saved! We are in such bad condition that when we try to earn favor with God through our good works, Isaiah 64:6 tells us that our righteous deeds are like filthy rags to God. In Mark 10:27 Jesus is answering His disciples’ question, “who then can be saved?” He said, “with man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” God realizes that man cannot possibly save himself through door-to-door preaching or ordinances of a church. That’s why God did not send an organization or a church to offer us peace with God, but He sent His Son Jesus Christ.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16 KJV)

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" (Ephesians 2:8 KJV)

"And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." (Romans 11:6 KJV)

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:" (Romans 5:1 KJV)

Answer 4

No contradiction is intended or implied.  James' 2:20 is a call to arms to do good in the name of G-d.  Our redemption is through Faith.  We are not expected to sit around eating Mallomars awaiting the final judgment ("do not hide your lamp under a bushel basket")

Answer 5

I gotta go with anther poster's perfect answer

"We are not saved by faith. We are not saved by works. We are saved by the grace of God.

When we allow the grace of God to have an effect on our lives, we will have faith and works. Faith and works bring us more grace.

It is possible for a person to receive grace and not allow it to change their lives. It is like any gift. It has no use or purpose unless the gift is used.

Chris, REWARDS are never mentioned in James, chapter 2. James talks about being saved"

Answer 6

Good works saves us from Godly discipline. Also when we build on the Rock foundation, works rooted in faith, hope & love, etc... then these are everlasting & will remain after our house is tested by fire. And the crud gets fried away.

What Jesus has purchased for us on the cross is eternal life for our soul.  See? Our souls were spiritually blind & dead in our trespasses & sins.  And then we turned to Jesus & received His atonement for our sins. And a miracle spiritual birth happened. We were blind but now we see.  We were in darkness & now are in His Light.  We were sick but now we are healed. We were ruled by the devil, but now we belong to Jesus.

So when we are saved from much, we love Jesus much.  And so renew our minds in Gods Word and hear & hear the Gospel preached & this builds up our faith. And also we are sealed of the Holy Spirit unto the Day of redemption.  This is eternal life. When God sees us He sees the Righteousness of His Son.

OK. We still are in this corruptible body until resurrection day.  So? We learn to die to the destructive lusts of the flesh & make the soul choice to follow after the Spirit with fruits of faith, hope, love, joy, peace, endurance, self control, honesty, truth, etc...

The Holy Spirit convicts us if we do sin or even if we willfully sin.  And we confess our sin to Jesus, and He Is faithful & just to forgive us our sin & cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The Holy Spirit washes us in His Word by bringing to mind Gods Word.  And He Is Faithful!

To reconcile this is to look at the definition of 'saved'. Jesus redeemed us by what He did for us. He Is the Lamb of God since the foundation.  But we still sin because we are still in a body with sin nature.  Only our spiritual soul has received eternal life. Our body is still corruptible.  So?  Hebrews11 gives examples of saved.  Saving our physical hide.  Noah didn't just believe God, but also built the ark.  Moses believed God & forsook his heritage in Egypt to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.  See? This is doing because they believed in Gods Word & direction.

Now I have received salvation (eternal life) but I still am saved every day by choosing to follow Gods Word & be more than just a hearer of the word, but being a doer of the word.  And this saves me from conscequences of wrong decisions & also saves me some of my decisions of my spiritual soul as rewards that go with me to heaven. All the stupid things I have done isn't going to heaven with me. Just the stuff that remains after the refining fire happens when my house is tested by fire.

I had prayed this to God about James verse, & the faith without works is dead.  It is.  I can believe God wants me to give the neighbor a sandwhich, but if I don't bring it over, then that faith was dead.  But if I disobey God & not give my neighbor a sandwhich because I am too tired, etc... Then I am guilty of disobeying God & that disobedience gets fried.

Chris, I agree with you.  To off set the answers that rewards isn't mentioned.  Rewards are mentioned in the bible. And also there is higher & lesser positions in heaven or in the earthly reign when Jesus comes back.  And that has much to do with how profitable we are with our God given talents.  Now those unfruitful servants may have never been born of God or just had to endure some Godly discipline & won't have a high place in Christ Kingdom.

Blessed 'Hebrews...' sure has a well written answer.

Added later... A new thought... We are saved by Grace.  Eternal life is the gift of God.  But through faith (trusting & obeying God).  And also.  Faith is dead without works.  But Grace isn't.  Gods grace is undeserved favor we receive.

So the revelation knowledge God just gave me.  Faith without works is dead.  But Grace isn't.  We are saved by the Grace (gift) of God & not of works lest anyone bost.  This came up when I was thinking about all the answers you have gotten.

Answer 7

God didn't write the bible. People did.

The bible also says "Turn the other cheek!" as well as "An eye for an eye!" Those are contradictions as well.

Answer 8

God's grace saves us.

Our faith produces good works and Grace is able to flow.

Answer 9

Works are the result of Grace.

Grace is more than undeserved kindness. Undeserved kindness is only an obvious aspect. Grace is the action of God Almighty within a person through the Holy Spirit.

For example: A person of a reprobate mind may act righteous and this is "works". This does not make justification. Justification is by faith and by faith comes Grace. Because a person has Grace within works come naturally and are a witness to the Grace within.

Works are a result of faith. Faith is not shown by works because a person with an unapproved mind can "do" works without faith or Grace.

The Law is about works. The New Covenant is about the change within. This change within is through Grace not works. Works can be a super imposition from knowledge and effort.

Salvation as a free gift, not a reward for any of our good works. see Ephesians 2:8-9.

The New Covenant -

The New Covenant foretold  ÃƒÂ¢Ã‚€ÂœI will put my law within them, and in their heart I shall write it.” (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

John 3:

16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

17 “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

Note that in John 3:16 Jesus states "whoever" not just a few will have eternal life if they believe in Him.

Let us look at verse 21 of John 3:

21 “But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

wrought in God = ἐν ἐργάζομαι = produced/performed "by" God.

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So a true Christian's good works are performed though them by God.

How is this so?

Because God is written in their hearts by Grace through the Holy Spirit.

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Hebrews 9:

14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

How does the "whosoever" of John 3:16 recognize and accept that they are under the New Covenant which is God written upon their hearts?

Luke 22:

17 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves;

18 for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”

19 And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

20 And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.

That is correct; partaking of the bread and wine shows that a true Christian is under the New Covenant.

Answer 10

There is not a contradiction, salvation follows faith and a Christian, like a person who listens to their conscience desires to do good works, but they will not save anyone who does not accept they need to be saved by God.

Answer 11

We don't work inorder to obtain salvation, but rather, as a result of our salvation.  A man, who is dead in sin, has no desire for goodness, but once Christ has quickened that dead man, his desires to be Christ-like are kindled.

After the natural standpoint, do we want our children to obey us inorder to get something from us, or rather, because of the love we have shown for them?  God's creation reflects His invisible ways, and this is but one of those things we can find in creation.

Answer 12

It is by faith you are saved and made new. A new creature by faith produces works.

Answer 13

Paul tells how to become a Christian, and James goes more into detail about what is expected from us once we are already saved

Salvation is by faith in God Jesus alone, but when we accept Jesus as our God and Savior we also submit to His example and teachings

Answer 14

some things in the bible you just have to work out for urself

Answer 15

Salvation is by Grace and Grace alone.  All the works in the world can not save us, nor can it deminnish Grace.  Jesus Died on the cross for our salvation and rose on the third day so that we may understand that we too will be resurected through him.  That is his Gift (Grace) to us.  The works that is spoken of In James 2:20 are as follows:

    14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if people claim to have faith but have no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

    18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."

    Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

    20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[d]? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,"[e] and he was called God's friend. 24 You see that people are justified by what they do and not by faith alone.

Grace is from Jesus and Faith is from us.  Faith without deeds to back up your faith is useless as even the devil has faith that God Lives.  But his actions are different.  Those that belive and have faith, show that faith by thier action or deeds.  The works that the bible talks about are the works or deeds that define whom you are.  It tells God that you truely have faith, just as the example set forth in the bible.  

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

I hope this does answer your question.  The works that you are talking about are not the same as some religions express works, such as the JW's.  

Answer 16

God who justifies a sinner by imputing to him both the righteousness (Jesus was without sin), and the perfect sacrifice of Christ, also works in us the "good works". He changes a sinner by giving life to his spiritually dead soul. The true work of God of salvation in a sinner is no small change, rather he is now considered a new creation creation, created in true righteousness and holiness.

That is why these good works are called the fruit of the Spirit, not the work of man.

God starts and completes the work of salvation. He never fails.

       That is why we are taught that without works we are not saved. The works are the testimony that it is a work of God and not merely a outward washing like the pharisee.

Answer 17

By Jesus example its pretty obvious that both works and faith are needed for salvation.

Answer 18

Perhaps there’s a clue in the episode of the rich young man who asked Jesus, "What good thing must I do to get eternal life?" (Mat. 19:16-30) Jesus first told him to obey the commandments, which he listed, bar one - do not covet. The man said he kept all the commandments but realised something was lacking. Jesus said he should sell his possessions and give to the poor and he would have treasure in heaven. Then he could follow Jesus. But because the rich young man coveted material wealth, he was unable to do that.

Many people stop reading at that point. But Jesus hadn't finished. When his disciples asked him, "Who then can be saved?" he replied: "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible... I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first."

Obeying God’s commandments does not establish merit before God for we are only doing what we are supposed to do. Salvation is a gracious gift of God, received through faith. "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. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Eph. 2:8-10)  "But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known... This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:21-31shows that genuine faith results in genuinely good works that glorify God. They are not performed for ulterior motives, but done because God prepared those good works before the foundation of the world, for certain ones to perform once they were saved by his grace. This problem dissolves once we see how God orders events.

Answer 19

James 2:20 is talking about how an already saved believer gets REWARDS in heaven.  It is NOT saying how to be saved from eternal h**l.

Works are only for rewards.  Works are NEVER for salvation, and works don't "prove" that you're saved.

If you try to be saved from h**l by adding works, then you will have a false gospel of works that cannot save (Galatians 1:6-9).

Here's an article to read about this:  http://www.faithalone.org/sermons/James2...

Answer 20

Good works are not the way to earn salvation.  However, if a person professes to be saved but does not do good works, then his boast is in vain.  True faith in Christ expresses itself in good works.

Answer 21

Hello,

You have to look at what Christ says and read the fine print of the contract of salvation as we do with our mortgages and car loans for example. In one breath he says you only get to the Father by him and he who believes in him shall never perish but then he goes on about did you feed me when hungry, cloth me when naked etc as well as the Parable Of The Ungrateful Servant where he warns of dire consequences if we neglect our neighbour and do not forgive others.

Now there are two outcomes I see:

1) Christ really means what he says about both believing and having faith in him which also requires you do your best to emulate his life and help others through works as well.

2) He has taken the biggest risk which any charlatan or liar can do which is to change his story and contradict himself.

ICheers,

Michael Kelly

Answer 22

Grey,

BOTH are equally important!  We are told many things in the scriptures for those who read only a portion and ignore the rest they will be told in the end by CHRIST (I believe).  To become a Christian, we are told that we must HEAR the WORD in John 6:45, Jesus said, “It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught by God.  Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.”  We are also told so in Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  We are told the we must BELIEVE in Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  We are also told so in Mark 16:16, Jesus said “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”  and in John 5:24 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.  We are told that we must REPENT (or turn from sin) in Luke 13:3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.  Also in Acts 17:30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.  We are told to CONFESS CHRIST in Romans 10:9-10 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  We are also told in 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  We are to be BAPTIZED according to Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” and Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.  We are to CONTINUE to be FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH according to Revelation 2:10c Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.  We also know that Paul wrote in Romans 14:12 each of us shall give account of himself to God.  It is important that we not ignore what is written, change what is written, or add to what is written in the New Testament.  It is our Christian Guide.  Have a great week!

Thanks,

Eds

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Answer 23

We are not saved by faith.  We are not saved by works.  We are saved by the grace of God.

When we allow the grace of God to have an effect on our lives, we will have faith and works.  Faith and works bring us more grace.  

It is possible for a person to receive grace and not allow it to change their lives.  It is like any gift.  It has no use or purpose unless the gift is used.  

Chris, REWARDS are never mentioned in James, chapter 2.  James talks about being saved.

Answer 24

The rest of the content of Ephesians 2 explains it partly.

Eph. 2  KJV

10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

11Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Christians are created in Christ FOR GOOD WORKS as Eph. 2:10 says....that we should walk in them (those good works).

There are 2 sets of good works in the Bible, NOT just 1.

The law of Moses, of ordinances, contained rituals that must be carried out for animal sacrifices, etc. for every little sin for tithes which were sacrifices burnt up on the altar, not money.  It was very formal, might mean little to the Jews if they were not in deep understanding and study, cost a lot esp. for poor people or those who made a lot of (pardonable) mistakes, etc.  And it was terribly burdensome as there were more than 700 laws to obey with sacrifices to be offered for each one according to whether you were rich or poor....plus death the penalty for disobeying the weighier of them.

However, the law of Christ (faith) or works of faith are much easier based not on hundreds of tedious rules but on principles of love for God and Neighbor (number 1 and 2) and such.  They were much simpler, made more sense, cost nothing, and did not carry the death penalty for disobeying any of them even the weightier, but rather Christ's death bought you the time to learn and change your behavior.

People just don't know that there are 2 covenants, 2 laws, 2 kinds of works.

It is by the old covenant, the old law, the old works that no one can be saved.  But James and other Christians were under the new covenant and its' law and works must be obeyed.

There is MORE yet in the Scripture about the law of Moses VS the law of faith, works of the flesh VS works of the spirit as the two types are also called.

Debbie   [e-mail]