Of what value are good works if they do not save us?
Ephesians 2:8-9 is a very important scripture and often quoted. “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.”
Salvation is a divine work of God in the heart of man and is neither deserved nor earned. This is a wonderful truth but many neglect verse 10 which follows. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
There are many professing Christians that claim God’s saving grace in their lives but their works, conduct, and attitudes have not changed. Grace is used as a cover or excuse for evil works and disobedience to the Word of God. We are not saved by works but are created unto good works and are to walk in them. “…as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness” (Romans 6:19).
Jesus said that we would know people by their fruit, or works (Matthew 7:16-17). People’s works often identify who they are on the inside. Hearts are not made pure by works of fasting, praying, giving, sacrificing, modesty, church attendance, service etc.; but if a man is saved by the grace of God, good works will be the fruit of the holy heart.
The Bible gives much instruction on how saints are to live and conduct themselves as holy people of God. They are to be separate and distinct from the sinful world not only in attitude and devotion but also in dress and activities of life.
Jesus said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words….He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings” (John 14:23-24). Obedience brings forth good works. Good works do not save one, but the absence of them can cause one to lose salvation.
The book of James clearly teaches that faith without works is dead. Active faith or belief in God will bring about holy and profitable works. The absence of good works indicates a dead love and an empty faith. Jesus came to redeem mankind from all iniquity that they might be a peculiar people zealous of good works (Titus 2:11-14).
It is a wonderful life to bear good fruit and have the works of morality and righteousness springing forth. Those works do not save a man, but they help him maintain and grow in his experience with God.
What about churches who promote themselves as the only entrance to salvation?
Jesus said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved” (John 10:9). There is no man, church, or body of ministers that can give salvation. There is no method for earning or working for our salvation. Salvation is a gift of God through His son and no other.
It is the epitome of self-righteousness and spiritual egotism for a church to promote itself as the gateway to heaven. The church is composed of a called out people who have been saved from sin. The message of the Church is to point others to the cross and to the faith of the Word of God. Any minister or body of people who teaches a doctrine of salvation by works or that teaches one must come through them to be ready to meet God is corrupting the pure gospel of Christ. This is contrary to the doctrine which we have learned. Those who teach such things are in error and should be avoided (Romans 16:17).
—mws
