3 Reasons Salvation Isn’t By Our Works

I want to discuss in today’s blog what I consider to be a major misunderstanding in many church theologies. In fact this may be the most important topic in all of Christian theology. This topic was the cause of the Reformation, the split between the Protestant churches and Catholic Church. The question that many people ask is “Am I saved just by believing in Jesus, or do I have to believe in Jesus and do certain things”? And the answer is that your belief in Jesus is enough. Because if you truly believe in Christ that your life will be transformed.

Many people will say “Well Faith without Works is Dead”, and they quote that scripture as if believing in Christ isn’t enough. That is a complete misunderstanding of what James is saying. When Paul claims that we are "Justified by faith apart from works of the law" (Rom. 3:28) he is arguing against those (Jews) who claim they do not need faith because their works are sufficient. James, on the other hand, argues that we are "justified by works and not by faith alone" (James 2:24) because works are the result of faith. So really both are saying the same thing but have different vantage points. James is not contradicting Paul teachings, but rather complementing it. Paul's perspective speaks to where justification begins, whereas James's perspective speaks to where justification ends. These two men are saying Salvation is by Faith alone (Paul) and our faith demonstrates its authenticity by our works (James). Martin Luther & John Calvin (whose teachings I endorse) said Faith alone saves, but the Faith that saves is never alone. Salvation is always accompanied by good works.

So I though it would be great to list out 3 reasons why salvation can’t be by our works and back them up with scripture references.

1. History has proven that the works system is a failure.

Man has already been under two different works systems, and both have left man condemned. First was Gods command to Adam found in Gen 2:16-17 “And the LORD God commanded the man, You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." Well we all know how this story ends and it didn’t work out to well for mankind.

The second works system was of course the Law of Moses. If you look in the Old Testament you will see that the Israelites could by no means keep the Law. Romans 3:23 is clear that “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. There is only one man that lived a perfect life and that was Christ Jesus.

2. Mans best works still fall’s short of God's standard of justice.

Isaiah 64:6 “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”

3. Salvation cannot be by our works because Jesus has already done the work in our place.

Jesus Christ came into the world to solve man's fundamental problem (Sin). 1 Timothy 1:15 “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” Christ took our sins and gave us access to eternal life, if we believe in him.

So as we close today’s blog we need to ponder in our hearts, and ask our selves are we trying to live by rules or by Gods Grace. Christ said that he is the door, His Blood gives us access to the Father if we believe in him. If you have not received Christ into your life don’t take another breath until you do (Yes it’s that important). Psalm 95: 7-8 “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts”. Give Christ your life.

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