WORKS: SALVATION OR DEMONSTRATION?
5 June, 2003

As a young Christian, I thought the matter of salvation was pretty clear. Never did I imagine Christians believing it is our works that secure our salvation. Well, being older and wiser, I have found that there are in fact those who believe such. That discovery has caused me to really study and get deep into God's Word, and now I would like to share some things that I have come up with.

I will break it up into three points about works:


1. They are commanded by God
   
2. Our works are insufficient for salvation


3. Works are an example and Demonstration of our Faith

• They are commanded by God

Works are in fact required by God. We must obey Him, follow his commands, and do "good deeds".

Jesus himself tells us, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." -- Matt 5:16

Paul also encourages it, he tells Timothy, "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." -- 1 Tim 6:18

To Titus, he says, "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." -- Titus 2:7-8

So yes, we do need to do good works. It should be part of our walk, part of our life, part of our example. But does this mean that works save us?



• Our works are insufficient for salvation



Once again, Jesus tells us, "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" -- Matt 7:22-23

Obviously our works cannot save us if Jesus will not recognize us by what we did. Paul reinforces this all throughout the NT:

"4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." -- Titus 3:4-7

"Know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified." -- Gal 2:16

"So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace." -- Romans 11:5-6

I could fill this article up with passages saying the same thing, but there are just a few examples. Works cannot save us. Nobody can do enough works to bring about his or her salvation.

So why even do works? Why does God command it? Why is our faith empty without them?



• Works are an example and Demonstration of our Faith



Many people think James and Paul contradict each other in the Bible, but in fact they are saying the same thing:

James tells us, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But 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." -- James 2:17-18

And going back to Titus, we see, "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." -- Titus 2:7-8

We do our good works to demonstrate our faith. We can show Christians and non-Christians alike the Glory bestowed upon us by setting an example. Non-Christains will be unable to say anything bad about us or our faith if back it up with actions. Similiarly, Christians can be encouraged by our example and set off to do good deeds of their own.


CONCLUSION:

So, are works required? Yes, God commands us to do good works, and Paul is constantly encouraging us to do good works. Does that mean we are saved by what we do? NO! Jesus himself says as much. So what are they for then? Our good works demonstrate our faith and set an example to others.

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