The relationship between good works and salvation is a deeply discussed topic in the Bible. This post explores verses that address the idea that good deeds alone are not the ticket to heaven.
We’ll delve into the concept of faith, grace, and works, understanding how they interplay in the Christian journey towards salvation. This exploration aims to clarify the biblical stance on the role of good works in our spiritual lives and their place in achieving eternal life.
Also Read: Bible Verses About The Poor And Homeless
Bible Verses About Good Works Not Getting You To Heaven
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
This verse reminds us that our salvation is not earned through good works, but rather it is a gift from God that is received through faith. Good works alone cannot save us or earn us a place in heaven. It is only through God’s grace and our faith in Him that we are saved.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This well-known verse emphasizes the importance of belief in Jesus as the way to eternal life. It is not our good works, but our faith in Him that grants us eternal life. God’s love and sacrifice through Jesus are the foundation of our salvation.
Titus 3:5
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
Our salvation is not based on our own righteousness or good deeds, but rather on God’s mercy and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit within us. It is by God’s grace that we are saved and made new, not by any works that we can accomplish on our own.
Romans 3:28
“For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
This verse emphasizes that justification, or being made right with God, is not achieved through our works but through our faith in Jesus. The works of the law cannot save us, but rather it is through believing in Christ and His work on the cross that we are justified before God.
Galatians 2:16
“know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.”
Similar to the previous verse, this verse emphasizes that justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through adherence to the works of the law. No amount of good works or obedience to the law can make us justified before God; it is only through faith in Christ that we can be made righteous.
Romans 4:5
“However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.”
This verse highlights that our righteousness is not achieved through our own works, but through our trust in God as the one who justifies the ungodly. It is our faith in Him that is credited as righteousness, not anything we can accomplish on our own.
Romans 11:6
“And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.”
This verse emphasizes the mutual exclusivity of grace and works when it comes to salvation. If salvation were based on our works, it would negate the concept of grace. Salvation is a free gift from God, given by His grace alone, and not something that can be earned through our works.
2 Timothy 1:9
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”
God’s salvation and calling in our lives are not based on our own efforts or accomplishments, but rather on His purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Jesus even before the world began, highlighting the fact that our salvation is not contingent on anything we can do, but on God’s sovereign plan.
Romans 9:16
“It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.”
Our salvation is not dependent on our own desires or efforts, but rather on God’s mercy. It is His mercy that saves us, not anything that we can do. Our role is to receive His mercy through faith and surrender to His will.
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
This verse reminds us that God’s love for us is not based on our good works or righteousness, but rather on His own character. Even while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us out of His great love. It is this sacrificial love that is the basis of our salvation, not anything we can do.
Galatians 3:10
“For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.'”
This verse serves as a reminder that relying on the works of the law for salvation puts us under a curse. The law demands perfect obedience, and since no one can perfectly keep the law, relying on it for salvation only leads to condemnation. It is only through faith in Christ that we can be freed from this curse and receive the gift of salvation.
Philippians 3:9
“and may be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”
Our righteousness does not come from our own efforts to fulfill the law, but rather from our faith in Christ. It is through our faith in Him that we are made righteous before God, receiving His righteousness as a gift. Our works do not earn us righteousness; it is solely through faith in Christ that we are made righteous.
Romans 3:20
“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.”
This verse emphasizes that no one can be declared righteous by the works of the law. The law serves to reveal our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. It is through faith in Jesus and His work on the cross that we can be declared righteous in God’s sight.
Romans 10:3-4
“Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”
Those who seek to establish their own righteousness apart from God’s righteousness through faith in Christ are unable to submit to His righteousness. However, Christ is the fulfillment of the law, and through faith in Him, righteousness is made available to all who believe. It is not through our own works, but through faith in Christ, that we can be made righteous.
Romans 14:23
“But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.”
This verse highlights the importance of faith in all that we do. Without faith, even our good works can be rendered meaningless. It is through faith that our actions are empowered by God and aligned with His will. Without faith, our works become mere acts of self-righteousness.
John 6:29
“Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.'”
When questioned about the works that please God, Jesus declared that the work of God is to believe in Him. It is through faith in Jesus and entrusting ourselves to Him that we fulfill the work that God desires from us. Our belief in Jesus is the foundation on which all other good works can be built.
1 Corinthians 3:11
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
Jesus Christ is the only foundation upon which true salvation can be built. No amount of good works or personal righteousness can be a substitute for Him. He is the solid rock upon which we can stand and the only way to receive eternal life.
Titus 2:11-12
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
The grace of God is not only the means by which we are saved, but also the source of our empowerment to live godly lives. Good works are the outworking of God’s grace in our lives, as the Holy Spirit enables us to say no to sin and live in a way that glorifies Him.
James 2:17
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
While good works do not earn us salvation, genuine faith will naturally be accompanied by actions. Good works are the fruit of a living faith, giving evidence of the transformation that has taken place within us. As believers, our faith leads us to live out our beliefs through deeds of love and service.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Although good works do not save us, they are still an important part of our Christian walk. We are God’s handiwork, created with a purpose to do good works. These works are not done in order to earn salvation, but rather as a response to God’s grace and love for us.
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
As Christians, our attitude toward work and good deeds should be one of wholeheartedness. Whatever we do, we should do it as if we are working for the Lord, not for the approval or recognition of others. Our motivation for good works should come from our love for Christ and the anticipation of the eternal reward we will receive from Him.
1 Peter 2:12
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
Our good works are not only a reflection of our faith, but also an opportunity to be a witness to others. As we live out our faith and display good deeds, even in the face of persecution or accusation, we have the potential to bring glory to God and draw others to Him.
1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
While our salvation is not dependent on our works, we are still called to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. Our labor in the Lord is not in vain, as it is done out of love for Him and in obedience to His commands. Our good works, done in the power of the Holy Spirit, have eternal significance and impact.
What Does the Bible Say About Good Works Not Getting You To Heaven?
In the Bible, we are taught that our salvation is not based on our good works. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own works, so that no one can boast. This means that no matter how many good deeds we do, they are not enough to earn our way into heaven.
This does not mean that good works are unimportant. In fact, James 2:17 tells us that faith without works is dead. Our good works are a natural outpouring of our faith, but they are not the means by which we are saved. Our salvation is a gift from God, given to us through our faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
It’s important to remember that our good works should flow from a heart that desires to please God and serve others, rather than to earn our way into heaven. As followers of Christ, our good works are a reflection of the transformation that God has done in our lives and are a way to bring glory to Him (Matthew 5:16).
Ultimately, it is our faith in Jesus and the grace of God that allows us to spend eternity with Him in heaven, not our good works.