The term “salvation by faith alone” has caused many an argument between different Christian groups. Therefore, in this book, I intend to explain how this statement is correct. Many will quote from James 2:24 and claim this is absolute proof works are needed for us to be justified with God.
Jas 2:24 You see then that by works, a man is justified, and not only by faith.
Faith in God
Now is the perfect time to look deeper into God’s word to see if there are other verses that shed a different light on this topic. To use this one scripture by itself is to ignore what God is telling us in other parts of his Holy Scriptures. Take, for instance, Romans 3:28.
Rom 3:28 We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
And what about Romans 4:5?
Rom 4:5 But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
Clearly here we are told, “He who doesn’t work” is justified by believing in Jesus Christ and his faith, which has made him righteous in God’s sight.
In Ephesians 2:8-10, we find a passage of scripture that, in my mind, wraps up the entire argument about works and faith. In verse 8, we read where we are saved through faith, and then it is essential to understand that this is a gift from God.
If you receive a gift from anyone, you do not need to work for it. Otherwise, you are receiving a reward for your works, and it is not a free gift. The same with faith. This is a free gift from God (no works needed), and then notice verse 9: that no one would boast.
If I were to be justified with God by the works I do then, I would have every reason to brag about how good I have been and tell of all the good works that I have done. But what does God say in verse 9? Not works that no one would boast about. We are all on an even playing field here with God. Faith and faith alone have saved us, and no amount of good works can accomplish this. Many people may mock this idea but just believe what scripture tells you.
Now notice verse 10. We are created in Christ to do good works. What does that mean? It means we will do good works because we have already been saved. Our way of saying thank you to God is to follow the example of his son Jesus Christ and do any good works we can do.
Consider the unique works that we may do. A wealthy person can do many good deeds and can help maybe hundreds of less privileged people. Some people are so poor they can only help through their prayers.
Justified by Faith
They are both doing good works, so why should one be considered doing more than the other? Therefore, God does not judge on the amount of good works you may do. If he did, then the rich man is more justified than the poor man. No, we are all made righteous by faith, and our works (either great or small) result from our being saved.
Eph 2:8 for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Eph 2:9 not of works, that no one would boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
Therefore, Faith is a free gift from God. Good works are then done because we know what God has done for us. Made us righteous because we believe in Jesus Christ.
Anyone who claims to have faith but refuses to change their lives to please God has a dead faith. Please do not be hindered by false teachings on this or any other matter about scripture. Always seek the truth from God’s Holy Bible.
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