Lord’s Library editors offer this resource which answers the question of whether you are saved by faith alone, with key Scriptures.
Are you saved by faith alone? The question of whether salvation is by faith alone is a central theme in Christian theology. According to the Bible, salvation is indeed by grace through faith alone in the Finished Work of Jesus Christ on the Cross.
This doctrine underscores the sufficiency of God’s grace and the futility of human effort in achieving righteousness before Him.
It is declared in 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 affirm that salvation is a gift from God, received solely through faith, and not earned via works righteousness. This grace highlights that salvation is entirely unmerited and stems from God’s mercy toward sinners.
Are You Saved by Faith Alone?
As it Is Written: Are You Saved by Faith Alone?
This truth of salvation by faith alone is further showcased in 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;”
The Apostle Paul also makes an evident argument for justification by faith alone in Romans 3:28: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” This passage clarifies that not even a strict adherence to the Law of Moses can bring imputed righteousness; it is entirely an act of faith in God’s redemptive work through His Perfect Son Jesus Christ.
The example of Abraham further illustrates this principle. See Romans 4:3: “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Abraham’s faith, not his works, was credited as righteousness by God.
See also 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.”
Just as Abraham was justified by faith, so too are all who trust in Christ’s Finished Work.
The sufficiency of Christ’s Blood Atonement is central to the doctrine of salvation by faith alone. When Jesus declared on the cross “It is finished” in John 19:30, He affirmed that His work was complete. Hebrews 10:14 confirms: “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”
Salvation is fully accomplished through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, according to the Scriptures. This leaves no room for human contribution to the salvific cause. Faith alone is the means by which we appropriate this salvation, as Paul summarizes in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 when he shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ: “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:”
While works do not play a role in accepting salvation via God’s grace, they serve as evidence of genuine faith. See James 2:17: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
This does not contradict the doctrine of salvation by faith alone but emphasizes that true faith is active and truly transformative. Works are the fruit of salvation, not its cause. Ephesians 2:10 explains this: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Believers are saved by faith alone but are called to live out that faith in obedience and good works as a reflection of their new life in Christ.
The assurance of salvation by faith alone is a recurring theme in Scripture. A promise is made in 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.”
Similarly, Romans 8:1 says: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Salvation by faith alone ensures that believers are secure in Christ, free from condemnation, and empowered to live for Him.
While good works are the fruit of salvation, they are not its root. Believers are called to rest fully in the Finished Work of Jesus Christ. To conclude, see 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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