Are we saved by grace alone, or do we need to do good works?
Our salvation is a gracious gift of God. God gave us this gift when we accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. No one can take this gift from us. It is irrevocable. You cannot earn your way into heaven. Works are not necessary. Having said that, you will notice many Christians who spend a lot of time doing "works." That is normal and natural byproduct of Christianity. The Holy Spirit residing in us moves us to do good works. In fact it is difficult not to do good works, considering God prepared them in advance for us to do. We cannot earn salvation through works. When you really consider it, isn't it a bit silly to think we (us sinners) could do anything for a sinless Holy God that would get Him to change his mind and let us into heaven? After what He did for us! For more on faith and deeds Read James 2:14-24. In reading don't confuse justification with salvation.
Relevant Scripture
Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
James 2:14-24
Faith and Deeds
14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18But 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.
19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[a]? 21Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. 24You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
Be blessed,
Wayne
www.Capstone-Ministries.org
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4 comments:
Thanks for the short post on one of the most misunderstood topics to Christians and non-Christians.
It seems like every generation must confront this issue.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Have a blessed day!
Wayne
THE APOSTLE PETER AND THE THIEF ON THE CROSS?
When the apostle Peter preached the first sermon under the New Covenant, on the Day of Pentecost 33 AD, what did he preach?
1. Peter preached Jesus as a miracle worker. (Acts 2:22)
2. Peter preached Jesus crucified.(Acts 2:23)
3. Peter preached Jesus resurrected from the grave. (Acts 2:31)
4. Peter preached Jesus ascended into heaven. (Acts 2:34)
5. Peter preached Jesus as Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
When the men at Pentecost heard Peter preach, they ask Peter and the rest of the apostles what they should do. (Acts 2:37)
What did Peter tell them they should do? Did Peter say "You can be saved just like the thief on the cross, simply ask the Lord to remember you when He comes into His kingdom?" NO, Peter did not say nor did he imply they could be saved like the thief on the cross.
WHAT DID PETER SAY? 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.(NKJV)
There are no Scriptures stating that men can be saved like the thief on the cross under the New Covenant terms for pardon.
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Thanks for commenting Steve. There is no way we can earn salvation. We are saved by grace alone. Have a blessed day.
Wayne
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