Salvation is just by faith and not by works

[MorningGlory]

Ephesians 2 says that we're saved by Grace... through Faith.

Both are needed, aren't they?

 

Absolutely. 

[siegi91]

The Holy Bible is quite clear that works of any kind do not save. In fact, the Holy Bible emphatically states that if someone is trying to earn salvation by works or merit, that person will not get saved till they repent (change their mind) and cease trying to earn salvation. Works done for salvation mean no salvation. They mock Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

 

Paul is the apostle of the Gentiles, and it is the will of Jesus Christ that the Gentiles are to hear the gospel from Paul’s letters.

 

Romans 11:13

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

 

Romans 15:16

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

 

2 Timothy 4:17

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

 

Romans 2:16

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

 

When asked what is required for salvation here is what Paul and Silas said.

 

Acts 16:30-31

30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

 

When asked “what must I do to be saved” Paul only mentions “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” He never mentions works, so it is not required.

 

In the following passages Paul clearly states that trying to do works for salvation means no salvation.

 

Romans 4:5

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

 

The following passage says that we are saved by grace through faith and not works.

 

Ephesians 2:8-9

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

 

The following passages say if it is works it is no more grace. But we are only saved by grace. Therefore, works means no salvation at all.

 

Romans 11:6

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

 

Here are more passages from Paul.

 

Titus 1:16

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

 

Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

 

Hebrews 4:10

For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

 

Hebrews 6:1

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

 

So there is no passage from Paul that says works are required for salvation. There are a number that say works mean no salvation. There are many passages where Paul says that faith or belief in Jesus Christ is salvation, and since it is the only thing mentioned it must be through faith alone and not works. Here are just a few.

 

Romans 4:3

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

 

Galatians 3:6

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

 

Romans 1:17

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

 

Galatians 3:11

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

 

Hebrews 10:38

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

 

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

 

Romans 3:22-26

22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

 

Christ Jesus the Lord shows that there is only one thing needed for salvation. They wanted to know the works (plural), that is, the entire list. Jesus listed the only thing allowed faith. Any other work for salvation is not of God.

 

John 6:28-29

28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

 

In the next passage Jesus Christ says that to be saved you only need to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. It works were required then the statement is false. It would have said: he that believes on me and does good works. Since it does not mention works, it has to be by belief alone. Furthermore, if a person does not believe what Jesus says, then they have not believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, according to Jesus Christ, a person trusting in works or merit for salvation is not saved. Thus John 6:47 is a faith alone statement which excludes works. Furthermore it is an eternal security statement (once saved always saved) since to have everlasting life means you could never be damned, unless it would say might have everlasting life. Thus Jesus declares that works are not needed to maintain salvation either. The double verily makes this simple to understand statement emphatic.

 

John 6:47

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

 

There are many passages (probably over 200) where only faith or belief in Jesus Chr

ist is what saves. The same logic above applies to each of these statements.

 

John 3:14-18

¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

¹⁵ That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

¹⁷ For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

¹⁸ He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

 

John 11:25-26

²⁵ Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

²⁶ And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

 

John 5:24

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

 

John 10:28-30

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

 

The following passage shows that good works come after salvation (as a result of salvation) and not for salvation. Created in Christ Jesus means already saved. Unto good works shows that good works come after salvation (by God working in you). Notice it also says, “should” not must. So they are not required for salvation or to maintain salvation.

 

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

 

The above sampling absolutely proves that works are not needed for salvation. They also prove that eternal security (once saved always saved) is absolutely true. They are emphatic and quite clear. Since the Holy Bible has no contradictions, anything that someone thinks shows otherwise is just a mistaken interpretation. Many people assume a passage is talking about salvation/damnation when it is not. This is usually done by taking the verse out of context, assuming meanings of words with false definitions and doctrines, ignoring what salvation really means, or by not rightly dividing the word of truth (see 2 Timothy 2:15) They may be confusing statements made to a different people, for a different time, about a different subject. They may even be using a new Bible version with a corrupt reading.

 

In love, in Christ, in meekness

Mark

Hallo, I am new here so I am trying to learn more about Christianity.

If salvation is only by faith then all people who never knew of Jesus or the Bible are not saved. Because I dont think you can have faith on something unknown. Are there exception for them?

[siegi91]

..........Hallo, I am new here so I am trying to learn more about Christianity.

If salvation is only by faith then all people who never knew of Jesus or the Bible are not saved. Because I dont think you can have faith on something unknown. Are there exception for them?

what is written in the Bible is truth, given by Yahweh the Creator of all life and everything in the universe.

He Promises that anyone, anywhere, who seeks Him will find Him.  and this is true.  there are many

testimonies (whether hundreds, thousands, or millions i don't know)

of people in ungodly families, ungodly countries, ungodly all around them

who look up in the sky and cry "you up there!  if you're real, show me!  let me know , because I don't see anyone or anything around me who is right.... IF YOU'RE THERE, let me know what is right"

 

and Yahweh the Creator guides them divinely to Himself over the next few minutes, hours, weeks, months and years,  until they find HIM.   THIS is HIS PROMISE.

 

the best known examples are Nora Lam of china, and Richard Wurmbrand of romania(I think).

 

God has a way of getting the right people to the right place , and everything else arranged by Him,

so that anyone who loves and seeks the TRUTH, will find it.

 

as for those who never apparently 'meet' a christian or hear of Jesus - it is written that those outside the assembly of believers, God judges.   (believers don't judge those, it is written).

Do you think that somebody who lived 1000 years before Jesus could have faith in Jesus?

[Ezra]

Do you think that somebody who lived 1000 years before Jesus could have faith in Jesus?

Jesus is God, so faith in the one true and living God was always possible since creation.  God also taught people through animals sacrifices that one day Jesus, as the Lamb of God, would take away the sin of the world.

[siegi91]

Do you think that somebody who lived 1000 years before Jesus could have faith in Jesus?

Jesus is God, so faith in the one true and living God was always possible since creation.  God also taught people through animals sacrifices that one day Jesus, as the Lamb of God, would take away the sin of the world.

Thank for your answer, I am learning a lot.

But that is a little different form accepting Jesus as Lord. And I think little children also cannot accept Jesus because they are too young.

Do you think there are exceptions for them if they die before they are able to accept Jesus by hearing of Him?

[Willa]

Romans 2:13-15 NKJV (For not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified.  For when the Gentiles who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law unto themselves, who show the works of the law written on their hearts their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or excusing them.)

 

This means that those who have not heard the Gospel will be judged by whether they kept the moral law of the 10 commandments.  They will be judged by whether their consciences and thoughts have accused them or excused them of their actions.  We all will be judged by what we know, and we will be justified by relying on Whom we know and follow--Jesus Christ.

 

So many of the Catholics who have left the church are haunted by guilt from their childhood teaching.  They may never know they are saved, because of being taught from childhood that salvation is only possible through keeping the 7 sacraments, praying to dead saints and doing good works, and that means regularly attending the Catholic church.

It is terrible bondage.  People who continue to pray to dead saints rather than to God are not maintaining a relationship with the Living God.  They may never have learned to walk in the Spirit.  Some people who post here, like Gray Wolf, have such a tortured heart.  I have great compassion on them.  Some even pray to their dead relatives which normally are familiar spirits, and this is forbidden in the Old Testament--it is an occult practice.  

[siegi91]

 

This means that those who have not heard the Gospel will be judged by whether they kept the moral law of the 10 commandments.  They will be judged by whether their consciences and thoughts have accused them or excused them of their actions.  We all will be judged by what we know, and we will be justified by relying on Whom we know and follow--Jesus Christ.

 

So, for them it is not required to accept Jesus. I am Jew and I think I know the commandments do not require that.

I think we agree then that the requirement of accepting Jesus is not global. There are exception. OK?

[Willa]

Most believe that little children of Christian parents are being taught from an early age.  1 Corinthians 7:14 says that the children will be sanctified by the believing parent.

 

The children of unbelieving parents may come under my previous post of being judged by their consciences and thoughts.

 

Infants and severely retarded people we leave in God's hands.  He is a merciful and holy God.  

 

Many thing that they will not be judged if they are under the "age of reason" or about 12 years, but I don't find that in Scripture.

[Willa]

 

 

This means that those who have not heard the Gospel will be judged by whether they kept the moral law of the 10 commandments.  They will be judged by whether their consciences and thoughts have accused them or excused them of their actions.  We all will be judged by what we know, and we will be justified by relying on Whom we know and follow--Jesus Christ.

 

So, for them it is not required to accept Jesus. I am Jew and I think I know the commandments do not require that.

I think we agree then that the requirement of accepting Jesus is not global. There are exception. OK?

 

The problem is that you do know the Law, and that you have not kept the Law perfectly as God requires.  Moreover,  you need to receive Jesus as your Messiah, and to lean on Him as your Savior.  If you have heard the truth about Him and reject Him, you will be judged more strictly.  

 

Isaiah 53 speaks entirely of Jesus.  v. 3 He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief.  And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him.  He was despised and we did not esteem Him.  4.  Surely He has born our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him strike, smitten by God and afflicted.  But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.  All we like sheep have gone astray;  we have turned, every on to his own way; and the Lor has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

 

Read the whole chapter.  It all was fulfilled by Jesus Messiah, Who will come again to reign over Jerusalem.  He claimed to be I AM, in John 8.  He said "before Abraham was, I AM.  These are the words from the burning bush of Moses.  He came first to die for your sins that your might receive forgiveness.  He purchased you on the cross, paying for you with His own blood, as your near kinsman redeemer.  He only offered His grace to me, a gentile, because He was rejected in Jerusalem.   Thus He fulfilled the prophecy to Abraham that through Him all the nations would be blest.  Read Isaiah 42:1-9, which also speaks of Jesus.  He began His ministry by reading Isaiah 61:1-3 and claiming to be that Person.  

 

Bless you.  We have many Jews here who have received their Messiah.  Shalom!  

[Qnts2]

 

 

This means that those who have not heard the Gospel will be judged by whether they kept the moral law of the 10 commandments.  They will be judged by whether their consciences and thoughts have accused them or excused them of their actions.  We all will be judged by what we know, and we will be justified by relying on Whom we know and follow--Jesus Christ.

 

So, for them it is not required to accept Jesus. I am Jew and I think I know the commandments do not require that.

I think we agree then that the requirement of accepting Jesus is not global. There are exception. OK?

 

 

Actually, there are no exceptions.

 

As you probably know, Jesus was Jewish, and claimed to be the Jewish Messiah. He came to Israel to show the Jewish people who He was. The Apostles were Jewish. Strangely enough, the debate back then was, what is required of the Gentiles.

In this world, there are Jews and there are Gentiles. That covers everyone.