The question of salvation—how humanity is reconciled with God and inherits eternal life—has been central to Christian theology for centuries. While many traditions emphasize the importance of grace and good works, a careful examination of Scripture reveals a different, liberating truth. The Bible consistently teaches that salvation is not earned by human effort but is a gift of God’s grace, accessed through faith alone.
In this post, we’ll explore how Scripture clarifies the relationship between grace, faith, and works, cutting through centuries of theological debate to uncover the heart of the gospel message.
If the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) teaches that good works are essential for salvation, then by logical extension, these works become compelled or "forced" rather than genuine. This perspective undermines the biblical teaching that true good works arise from a heart transformed by faith and the Holy Spirit, not from external obligations or attempts to earn salvation.
Forced Works Contradict Genuine Faith
Good works that are performed out of a sense of necessity to secure salvation are inherently motivated by self-interest rather than love for God or others. If a person engages in acts of charity, obedience, or service with the mindset of "I must do this to be saved," then their primary motive is fear of condemnation or desire for reward rather than a genuine reflection of faith and gratitude for God's grace.
This is contrary to the teaching of Matthew 6:1-4, where Jesus warns against performing acts of righteousness for external recognition or reward. True good works should flow from a heart that seeks to honour God, not as a transactional act to achieve personal salvation.
Salvation by Grace Eliminates Compulsion
The Bible consistently teaches that salvation is a free gift of grace, not earned by works (e.g., Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”). If salvation is already assured through faith in Christ, then the believer's good works become an expression of gratitude, love, and obedience to God—not a requirement to gain eternal life.
In contrast, when works are seen as essential for salvation, they are no longer an outpouring of joy and freedom but an obligation. This creates a scenario where works are coerced by the fear of eternal punishment or the promise of eternal reward, robbing them of their spiritual authenticity.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Genuine Works
True good works are the fruit of the Spirit working in a believer’s life, as Jesus explains in John 15:5: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
The believer is empowered by the Spirit, and their works are a natural result of abiding in Christ.
When good works are performed under compulsion as a condition of salvation, they are no longer the result of the Spirit’s transformative power but of human effort. This contradicts Titus 3:5, which states: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”
Salvation initiates a transformation, and good works follow naturally as evidence, not as a prerequisite.
The Problem of Boasting and Legalism
When works are deemed essential for salvation, they can foster pride or legalism, as individuals may boast in their accomplishments or adherence to religious practices. Paul directly refutes this in Romans 3:27-28: “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
In a system where works are required for salvation, people may measure their spiritual status by their actions, leading to self-righteousness or despair. This stands in contrast to the humility fostered by the gospel, where salvation is wholly dependent on God’s grace.
True Works Are a Response to Salvation
The Bible portrays good works as the result of salvation, not its cause. Ephesians 2:10 explains: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Works are the fruit of a saved life, preordained by God as a way for believers to glorify Him.
If works are made a condition for salvation, they become transactional, reducing the relationship with God to one of obligation rather than love. This undermines the principle that salvation is a transformative gift that produces willing obedience.
Salvation by Works Neglects Human Inadequacy
The RCC teaching that works are essential for salvation assumes that humans can contribute to their justification. However, the Bible declares that all human righteousness is insufficient before a holy God. Isaiah 64:6 states: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.”
If even our best efforts fall short, how can works contribute to salvation?
This teaching also contradicts the assurance found in Romans 11:6: “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.”
Salvation must be entirely by grace or not at all. Mixing grace with works negates the free nature of God’s gift.
Salvation by Faith Exemplified in Abraham
In Romans 4:2-5, Paul writes:"For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness"
Paul uses Abraham’s example to show that justification comes through faith, not works. If works were the basis for salvation, it would mean God owes salvation as a debt, undermining the concept of grace. Abraham’s righteousness came from believing God’s promise, demonstrating that faith, not human effort, is the foundation of salvation.
Personal Righteousness Falls Short
Paul reiterates this truth in Philippians 3:9:"And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith".
Human righteousness—based on adherence to the law—is insufficient for salvation. True righteousness comes only through faith in Christ, highlighting the futility of relying on good works to achieve eternal life.
Salvation Is Rooted in God’s Purpose and Grace
In 2 Timothy 1:9, Paul explains:"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began"
This verse further clarifies that salvation is grounded in God’s eternal plan and grace, not human effort. God’s calling and salvation are gifts that existed before we could ever perform works, reinforcing the truth that salvation is entirely dependent on Him.
Christ’s Sacrifice Completes Salvation
Hebrews 10:10-12 teaches:"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God"
The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for salvation, rendering human works and repeated rituals unnecessary for justification. This stands in stark contrast to any theology that requires works to complete what Christ has already finished.
Faith as the Foundation for Pleasing God
Hebrews 11:6 states:"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him"
Good works are meaningless without faith because faith is the foundation for a relationship with God. Works, when detached from faith, cannot please Him. True works are the fruit of genuine belief in God and His promises.
Justification by Humility and Mercy
Jesus illustrates in Luke 18:13-14:"And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted"
The publican’s justification is a powerful example of salvation by grace through faith. His humble reliance on God’s mercy contrasts with any reliance on personal works or self-righteousness, emphasizing that faith and repentance are the keys to salvation.
The Law Nullified by Christ
Colossians 2:13-14 declares:"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross"
This passage highlights that salvation is entirely the work of Christ, who removed the legal demands of the law through His sacrifice. Human works cannot fulfill these demands; only Christ’s finished work can bring reconciliation.
The Sufficiency of Grace in Righteousness
In Galatians 3:11, Paul asserts:"But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith"
The law cannot justify anyone before God. Instead, justification comes through faith, which enables the believer to live in true righteousness.
Trust in God Over Human Effort
The Old Testament echoes these truths. Jeremiah 17:5-7 says:"Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD... Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is"
This contrast between relying on human effort and trusting in God reflects the futility of works-based salvation. True blessing and righteousness come only through faith in the Lord.
God’s Transformative Work Produces True Obedience
Ezekiel 36:26-27 prophesies:"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them"
Here, God promises to transform His people through His Spirit, enabling them to live in obedience. Good works are the result of God’s work within us, not the means to earn His favour.
Salvation by God’s Spirit, Not Human Strength
In Zechariah 4:6, the Lord says:"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts"
This reinforces that salvation and righteous living are achieved not through human effort but by the Spirit of God working in and through us.
These verses form an unshakable biblical foundation that salvation is by grace through faith alone. Works, though important, are the evidence of faith, not the means of salvation. This truth dismantles any theology that elevates human effort to the level of grace and instead exalts the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Let us rest in God’s grace, knowing that the good works we perform are not to earn His favour but to glorify Him who has already saved us.
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