Do Good Works Play a Role in Our Salvation?

In short, no!

Our good works cannot play a role in our salvation because that directly contradicts the gospel. The Bible teaches that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). There is nothing we can do to save ourselves– no amount of good deeds can compensate for the sins we have committed. Therefore, we need a Savior who can redeem us. We all, as humans, need someone to take our place of punishment and that is exactly what Jesus did. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” The only requisite for eternal life is to believe (to trust) that Jesus paid it all. Salvation is like a math equation: x=y (faith = salvation). But, if you change it slightly to x+1=y, the equation falls apart. Y can no longer represent salvation because the +1 will alter the outcome.

The first half of Ephesians 2:8-10 teaches that “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.” If our good works had anything to do with our salvation, then it is no longer a gift and it is no longer by grace. Salvation is about what Jesus did for us; it’s not about what we can do for Jesus or for ourselves. 

Addressing a false teaching about good works:

We already established that good works have nothing to do with our salvation. Some false teachings, however, claim that if you don’t produce good works after believing in Jesus, then you are likely not saved. 

The problem with this claim is that, first and foremost, it conflates two processes: the first process is salvation which is instant and simple (saved by faith alone). The second process is our sanctification (growth and maturity) which is not instant and requires effort. The second problem with this claim is that it “backloads” good works as a post-requisite for salvation. It would be like someone giving you a free vacation to Hawaii, but after the trip, they send you a bill in the mail. Obviously, it nullifies the fact that it was free– it was just a deferred payment plan! The third problem with this claim is that it takes the eyes off of Jesus and places them on ourselves. Our assurance of salvation then results from whether we are being a “good Christian or not” instead of trusting in Jesus’ promise. Lastly, this claim produces doubt and judgment because if we are using good works as a measurement of salvation, then it is entirely subjective: one day we might stumble in the flesh, but the next day we are “back on track.” Once again, it is a form of trying to add to the finished work of Christ on the cross. Good works, whether before or after we are saved, will never add to or be the primary proof of our salvation.

What role do good works play in our lives as Christians?

The second half of Ephesians 2:8-10 says that “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Notice that it is God who has prepared the works for us ahead of time. The verb “should” is to be noted as well. It doesn’t say, “will” walk in them, or “must” walk in them. The original Greek word includes this subjunctive mood, meaning that the action at hand may or may not occur. 

As a result of our salvation, we belong to Christ and He has these good works laid out for us. He will guide our lives and reveal the opportunities to do good to others and for others. Likewise, He has our transformation in mind. He doesn’t want us to stay as we are after we are saved and sealed for the Day of redemption; He wants us to be conformed to His image every day (Romans 8:29).

The role good works play in our lives is not to add to or prove our salvation, but to become more like Christ and to be conduits of His love and grace to others. For example, Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Titus 3:14 says, “And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.” Good works are the ways in which we are helpful to others, especially to fellow Christians. Titus 3:8 says, “The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” Finally, good works do prove something. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” 

As I mentioned earlier, two processes often get conflated: salvation and sanctification. Salvation is the moment we are sealed with the Holy Spirit and can be called a believer. Sanctification is the process of maturation and growth. It is the process of following and walking in the Holy Spirit. By doing so, we become His disciples. So, when we abide in Christ and produce good works and the fruit of the Spirit, it proves to others that we are His disciples and it glorifies God!  

But wait… what about James 2 that says faith without works is dead? Stay tuned for an upcoming article about that passage!

Click here for a list of scripture references that talk about good works!

- Alina