Lord’s Library editors offer this resource which answers the question: are you saved by grace or works, with key Scriptures.
Are you saved by grace or works? The question of whether salvation comes by faith vs. works is one of the most pivotal Christian theological questions. The Bible provides a clear and consistent answer: salvation is by grace through faith in the Finished Work of Jesus Christ on the Cross, and not by works of righteousness that we have done.
This truth is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it is reinforced throughout Scripture. See Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
These verses show that salvation is a gift of God, received by grace through faith. Grace is God’s unmerited favor and is the means by which one is saved, and faith is the channel through which one receives it.
Righteous works play no role in earning salvation because they give room for boasting, which is contrary to the humility that the Gospel represents. Titus 3:5 reinforces this: “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;”
As we can see, it is a spiritual cleansing accomplished by the Holy Spirit, made possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, according to the Scriptures.
Are You Saved by Grace or Works?
As it Is Written: Are You Saved by Grace or Works?
While works do not contribute to the salvific process, they are a natural fruit of genuine faith. James 2:17 says it: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” This passage does not contradict the doctrine of salvation by faith alone but highlights that true faith is never alone—it produces evidence through good works.
Thus we see that works are not the cause of salvation but the result of a transformed life in Christ. They demonstrate the authenticity of one’s faith to others, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
The life of Abraham offers a visual illustration of salvation by faith. Romans 4:3 describes: “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Abraham’s righteousness was imputed to him because of his faith, not because of his works.
Paul says it similarly in Galatians 3:6-7: “Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” Abraham’s faith was evidenced by his obedience, such as when he was willing to offer Isaac (Genesis 22), but it was his belief in God’s promise that justified him.
At the heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is His Finished Work on the Cross. John 19:30 records Jesus’ final words as: “It is finished.” This signifies that Christ accomplished everything necessary for man’s salvation if they accept His work alone. Hebrews 10:14 confirms: “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”
The sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice eliminates any need for human works to contribute to salvation. By faith, one rests in His completed work, knowing that He bore the penalty for man’s sin and reconciled it to God.
The Apostle Paul summarizes the Gospel comprehensively 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
Faith in this Gospel—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—is the sole means of salvation. Yet, as Paul writes in 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.” Though we are saved by faith alone, God has prepared good works for us to walk in as a reflection of our salvation.
As it is written, the Bible assures Christ-followers that salvation is secure through faith. See 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.” This promise is grounded in God’s faithfulness, not one’s ability to perform actions in the flesh.
Romans 8:1 further assures the reader: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” When one trusts in Christ alone for salvation, they are justified before God, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives that glorify Him, for His glory.
See finally Romans 10:9: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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