How Are we saved?

In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul writes,

"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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10).

In this passage, the Apostle formulates that salvation comes "by grace," "through faith," and "not of works." He claims that it is by God's grace that salvation is available and God specifically provides this to those who possess faith, not perform works.

Paul establishes a contrast between works and faith because faith is not something one does, it is something one has. Someone does not "do faith." On the contrary, someone can "do works." This is an important distinction since the apostle proclaims God's grace is a "gift" instead of labeling it a compensation for earnings. Hence, faith, not works, is the criteria to receive grace. Therefore, no one can justify their pride in or boasting of their works (verse 9). As Paul continues, he explains that Christians are the result of God's work and that good works flow from our transformation, from our being "created in Christ Jesus" (verse 10).

Religious organizations that hold to a "salvation by works" or a "faith plus works" theology often appeal to the second chapter of James to illustrate that "faith alone" is insufficient for attaining the fullness of eternal life. An important verse for this position is James 2:17 which states, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." This verse summarizes the point of the passage of James 2:14-26 and plays an important role in defining a saving faith. However, it is essential to recognize that verse 18 indicates that this passage is contrasting faith and faith, one producing works and the other not. The half-brother of our Savior writes, "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." (James 2:18) Here, James does not say that salvation is by works but that works are faith on display. Next, he uses Abraham and Rahab as examples of persons acting on faith. Finally, he concludes with the illustration, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2:26). Therefore, persons possessing a living faith, or a saving faith, will act upon that faith and generate good works just as a living tree bears good fruit.

Salvation, balanced in harmony with the words of Paul and James, comes to us by the grace of God, through our faith. That very faith will show by our works because God created us, in Jesus, to walk in good works. A faith absent of works is more of an indication of a lack of faith or no real faith at all.

It is important to realize that works indicate the existence of faith but not the assurance of salvation. It is the saving faith that bears works in accordance with the will of the Father. Works that are not of the will of the Father indicate a faith that might as well be dead. Jesus warns,

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 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 7:21-23).

Notice that some practicing prophecy, exorcism, and "wonderful works" actually "work iniquity" in the sight of the Lord.

Everyday, television and radio talk-shows or info-mercials promote organizations providing what appears to be wonderful works for those who participate. These wonderful works may include family life, self-esteem, or financial improvement. Although these areas are of noble concern, the medium of enhancement may come from reading the Book of Mormon, Dianetics, the latest near-death experience testimony, or the Watchtower magazine. Christians need to evaluate the works of these groups to determine if they are in the will of God before joining them or even participating in their practices. We must ask ourselves if their works are evidence of faith in the blood of Jesus for the remission of sins or if their works display a faith in some other way of salvation (Romans 3:25; Acts 4:12). Some organizations perform works that illustrate a faith in their own works for eternal life. Their practices may include baptism for the dead, self-abasement, angel worship, or special diets to achieve certain spiritual goals, such as god-hood, nirvana or a special level of celestial glory. Therefore, we must avoid participating in works of iniquity, keep our faith centered on Jesus, and always allow God to produce good works through us to do His will.

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