Salvation by Faith Plus Works?

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” (Eph. 2:8-9 KJV). To some religious people, they add to this what Paul said, “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12 KJV).

The confusion is that while the great Apostle Paul himself said, “we are saved by grace… not by works… yet, on the other hand, he also said, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”. Indeed, this is confusing. Which is which: we are saved by grace through faith alone, or do we have in addition to “work out our own salvation”?

This is how the Apologitics Study Bible explains this doctrine:

“Faith is the means by which people acquire salvation: It is “through faith”. Salvation by grace through faith comes as God’s gift, not by works (Eph. 2:8-9). While good works cannot merit right standing with God, good works are the fruit borne in the lives of those whom God has saved. Good works are neither afterthought nor optional in the lives of believers. God created and saved them for the very purpose of doing good works” (2:10).

To my personal understanding, a saved person necessarily does a work - - any work for that matter, big or small, significant or insignificant, basta work for the kingdom of God. In short, the work of a believer is the result or fruit of his salvation. By the way, there is no insignificant work in the kingdom of God. Every work or ministry in the kingdom is important. The believer’s work is the concrete evidence (or seen by the eyes) of his faith in God. Thus, James says, “Even so faith, if it has not works is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou has faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works” (James 2:17-18). Stated differently, faith in God (or Jesus Christ) is shown or evidenced by works. Such people do good works out of gratitude and love for God. These are called “labor of love”, without expecting any reward in money or anything in return.

For example, a believer starts a Bible study group without being paid anything, not even a snack. He prepares a written computerized summary of his lessons. This means that he exerts much effort in his work for the kingdom of God. He spends valuable time, his money and effort without being remunerated or expecting any material return. And he finds joy in his labor of love. His work is evidence of his faith in God. His labor of love is the fruit or result of his salvation through his faith in God.

Stated otherwise, someone with religion or one who is devotedly pious may believe in God, attend church, say prayers, show kindness, and be seen as a good person. Religious people may have many good qualities, but sad to say, religion or good works cannot and is never a substitute for faith in Jesus Christ. The only way to the Father in heaven is through faith in Jesus (John 14:6). No more, no less. John did not say, through faith and in addition good work. Once saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the one saved will necessarily do a work for the kingdom of God. This work or deed for the kingdom, though how big or small, significant or insignificant, if we may call it, shall be rewarded by Jesus Christ on his second coming for the believer. Thus, Rev. 22:12 says, “See, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me, to repay all according to their deeds”. Notably, we are not to add or take away from the Words of the Bible. Thus the Bible says, “Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you from the Lord your God. Just obey them” (Deut. 4:2 NLT) Then Moses added: “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it” (Deut. 12:32 KJV). The Apostle John warned:

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book. If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Rev. 22:18-19 KJV)

People with faith put their trust in Jesus for forgiveness of sin and salvation of their soul. They have assurance of entrance into heaven and seek to become more like Jesus each day. They are christlike in manner and deeds. The apostle Paul said that the way of salvation is by grace through faith. It’s not of works but is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8-9).

Harmonizing the seemingly contradictory verses quoted above, let us turn to the Life Application Study Bible referred to as the New Living Translation (NLT) which is clearer to the modern man. This is how it expresses Eph. 2:8-10:

“God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Emphasis supplied)

It’s commentary on the aforequoted verses is easier to understand and instructive. It comments:

“When someone gives you a gift, do you say, “That’s very nice – now how much do I owe you?” No, the appropriate response to a gift is “Thank you”. Yet how often Christians, even after they have been given the gift of salvation feel obligated to try to work their way to God. Because our salvation and even our faith are gifts, we should respond with gratitude, praise, and joy.

We become Christians through God’s unmerited favor (grace), not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part. However, out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, love, and gentleness, and not merely to please ourselves. While no action or work we do can help us obtain salvation, God’s intention is that our salvation will result in acts of service. We are not saved merely for our own benefit but to serve Christ and build up the church (4:12).” (Emphasis supplied)

Some well-meaning followers (or disciples) of Christ believe that good works in addition to their faith or being religious will earn them their salvation. This will make salvation no longer a gift (by grace) but a reward for good works, not by faith in the saving power of the precious blood of Jesus Christ which was poured out for his love to the believers (Heb. 9:22). God in his wisdom does not require work in addition to faith, because some people who have the faith but by reason of some physical hindrance or infirmities may not be able to serve. This is to equalize or level the playing field. Kasi kung hindi ganon, kawawa naman tayong hindi kagaya ni Billy Graham o kagaya ni Pat Robertson. Those who could not read and write will be left behind, although by hearing the Word of God and believing, they have faith in God. For example, look at the disciple Andrew. He never authored any book in the Bible. His faith in Jesus which is evidenced by his introducing Peter to Jesus was enough to earn him a place in the kingdom of God!

God has given us wisdom, and if we pray fervently for divine guidance on what is right (James 1:5), the Holy Spirit whose main ministry is to guide us in all truth (John 16:13) will cause our mind, heart and spirit to know the truth about this apparent biblical confusion. (FGBMFI Davao City Chapter Bulletin Feb 11, 2012)