Are We Saved by Works or Called to Maintain Good Works as Believers?

In the world of Christian theology, the question of salvation and works sparks significant discussion. Are we saved by what we do, or are we called to maintain good works as a sign of our faith? This is not just an academic debate; it affects how we live every day as believers.

As we explore this topic, we will look at the biblical foundations of salvation, the purpose of good works, and how they come together in the life of a believer.

Understanding Salvation

Salvation is the core principle in Christianity, often described as being rescued from sin and its consequences, the wrath of God in hell forever. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." This highlights that salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned through good deeds.

Despite this, works still hold significance. Ephesians 2:10 continues, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." This undeniably tells us that while our works do not save us, they are a crucial part of who we are in Christ.

We don’t do good works to get saved, we do good works (bearing good fruit) to show that we’re saved.

To illustrate, studies show that 70% of churchgoers believe that good works contribute to their spiritual growth. This highlights the prevalent belief that while works do not lead to salvation, they are vital for a fulfilling Christian life.

The Role of Good Works

Good works naturally flow from our faith. They do not save us but show that we have been saved. James 2:17 tells us, "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." This verse stresses the importance of letting our faith show through our actions.

Good works can manifest in many ways:

• Acts of kindness: Volunteering at soup kitchens or helping a neighbor in need.

• Charitable giving: Supporting local food banks or global missions.

  
  

These actions express gratitude for the grace we have received and fulfill the purpose God has for us.

The Balance Between Faith and Works

The connection between faith and works resembles two sides of the same coin. Faith is the foundation of our salvation, while good works are its visible proof. It is crucial to recognize that neither diminishes the other; they work together to illustrate a believer’s life.

Galatians 5:6 reminds us, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love." This means that true faith is alive and active, producing good works from a place of love.

Paul's teaching is based on Christ's command to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves (see Matthew 22:37-40 and Mark 12:29-31). The Lord also taught in John 13:34-35 (NKJV) "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Love is an act or expression of our true faith in Christ. It's a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22.

Research by Barna Group indicates that Christians who actively engage in good works demonstrate an average 20% higher spiritual satisfaction compared to those who do not. This data supports the idea that actively living out our faith enhances our overall spiritual experience.

The Call to Maintain Good Works

As believers, we are not only called to do good works; we are encouraged to maintain them throughout our lives. This ongoing commitment is a reflection of our relationship with God and our desire to align with His will.

Titus 3:8 emphasizes this, stating, "This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works." This highlights the importance of being deliberate about our actions and ensuring that they reflect our faith.

Maintaining good works will involve:

• Serving in local communities: Joining outreach programs or mentoring youth.

• Supporting those in need: Donating time or resources to those facing hardships.

• Sharing Christ: The unashamed proclamation of the gospel to sinners is paramount.

• Living Holy & Pure: We can't live in hypocrisy as unregenerate persons.

  
  

This ongoing journey of good works is crucial for personal growth and transformation, as we aim to model Christ in our everyday lives.

The Impact of Good Works on Our Witness

Good works not only uplift those around us; they also serve as a strong testament to others. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus says we should "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

When we engage in good works, we reflect the fear of God, His love and grace. This can create openings for discussions about faith and offer others the chance to experience the change that Christ brings.

Statistics indicate that 85% of non-believers say they are more likely to explore faith if they see it lived out through actions rather than just words. This underlines the power of good works in making an impact on people’s lives.

Finished Work

Christ finished the work that the Father gave Him to do.

John 17:4 (NKJV)

“I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.”

John 19:30 (NKJV)

“So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.“

In this passage, the word “finished” means the debt of sin was paid in full.

The only work that man must do is repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and obey His commandments.

John 6:27 (NKJV)

“Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”

Titus 3:5-7 (NKJV) “…not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

Our efforts fall short. And works to be saved can’t & doesn’t qualify just like Cain’s offering of fruit failed God’s requirement.

That’s because Romans 3:10 (NKJV), Paul quoted Psalm 14:1-3, “As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one…”

The Fruit You Bear

How else will people know you?

If you claim to be a Christian and you’re seen walking into a bar, drinking, dancing, and doing sexual immorality, that’s a bad tree bearing bad fruit.

Matthew 12:33-35 (NKJV)

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.

Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.”

Or watching porn and solo sex.

That’s a bad tree bearing bad fruit.

But a good tree bears good fruit. You’ve turned from doing evil by disciplining your flesh to serve God (see 1 Corinthians 9:27).

Final Thoughts

The question of whether we are saved by works or called to maintain good works as believers merits thoughtful reflection. We learn from scripture that while our actions do not save us, good works are a vital part of our faith journey. They are evidence of our salvation and a way to glorify God.

Again according to Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus said “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

We are encouraged to embrace both faith and works, understanding their interconnectedness. By prioritizing good works, we not only fulfill our calling as followers of Christ but also make a meaningful impact on those around us.

Let us commit to living out our faith through our actions, allowing God's love to shine brightly as we engage in good works that reflect His grace and mercy. Perhaps, our light will attract those in darkness to come to a place of repentance and faith in God through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to be saved from His wrath.

A peaceful path inviting exploration