What is the most widely believed dogma in the world? Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and the majority of other worlds religions affirm the need to do good works of some variety, whether it be participating in a specific ritual or a life of goodness, for the person to reach that religion’s definition of salvation. One can safely estimate billions of people around the world believe the performance of good works is necessary to achieve a positive outcome in the afterlife. Does the Bible teach this?
The Bible says the following about salvation by works:
Ephesians 2:8-9
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.
Titus 3:4-5
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 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,
Romans 4:2-5
For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ,
Galatians 5:4
You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
2 Timothy 1:9
God has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus.
The Bible is plain. No one is saved by works. No one can be saved by works. The person who relies in any way on their works to get them to Heaven will not be saved. Many in the broad family of Christian religions affirm that good works are vital to salvation, but the Bible teaches something different. No one needs to do any good works at any time in their life in order to be saved. Galatians 5:4 says that those who attempt to be saved by some good deed have actually fallen short of Gods’ grace. The attempt to earn Heaven cuts a person off from Heaven. The only way to receive God’s saving grace is through faith which never attempts to do anything to earn salvation.
According to the Bible no work brings salvation. Obeying the ten commandments, being circumcised, being baptized, taking the Lord’s Supper, making confession to others, attending church, giving to the needy, maintaining religious devotion and living a life of self denial will never bring anyone salvation. No religious ritual or virtuous deed will bring any one the tiniest step closer to heaven.
The only way to get to Heaven is through faith in Jesus. (John 14:6) Admit you are a sinner who is guilty before God and deserving of His eternal punishment. Believe Jesus is God who became human, died on the cross to pay the penalty of your sin and rose to life again. Believe Jesus will forgive your sin and give you eternal life. Place all your trust in Jesus for salvation. Rely only on Him to get you to Heaven. Ask Jesus to take away all your guilt and make you His child. He will. “Whoever calls upon the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
Everlasting Truths 