What Are Works According to the Bible?
What Are Works According to the Bible?
In this blog post, we will explore the concept of "works" as outlined in the Bible. Understanding what constitutes works is critical for distinguishing between salvation by grace and salvation by works. Let us open with a brief prayer:
Dear God, thank you for giving us your clear word. Thank you for allowing us to see what it says. Bless the readers. In Jesus' name, Amen.
What Are Works?
The foundation of understanding works begins with the clear assertion that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. This excludes any and all works. Paul writes in 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." Furthermore, Galatians 2:16 emphasizes three times that justification does not come by the works of the law: "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ... for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
While these passages primarily refer to the Mosaic law, Paul’s point extends to all forms of human effort. Any attempt to earn justification through works—whether through adherence to laws or personal righteousness—is futile.
Addressing False Teachings
Many false prophets distort the concept of works by claiming that certain actions—such as repentance or obedience—are not works. However, simple logic reveals the fallacy in this argument. For instance, obeying a command, such as "mow the lawn," clearly involves effort and action. To argue otherwise is to ignore basic reasoning.
False teachers often promote these ideas to justify their own works-based gospel. One example is Todd Friel’s claim that "turning from sins is not a work because you’re not doing anything." However, even deciding not to sin aligns with fulfilling the law, as James 2:10-11 explains: "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law."
This passage underscores that both action ("thou shalt") and inaction ("thou shalt not") constitute fulfilling the law. Since salvation is not by the law, neither approach contributes to justification.
What the Bible Teaches About Works
The Bible is explicit that works—even those deemed righteous—do not save. Titus 3:5 states, "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." Similarly, Romans 4:5 declares, "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."
These verses make it clear: salvation is not for those who attempt to justify themselves through good deeds, turning from sin, or proving their faith through works. Rather, it is for those who cease from works and trust fully in Christ’s finished work on the cross.
Beware of False Gospels
It is vital to recognize and reject teachings that add works to the gospel. Those who claim that certain actions are not works often do so because they rely on their own works for justification. These false gospels are not only unbiblical but also dangerous, as they lead people away from the true gospel of grace.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible defines works as any human effort—whether action or inaction—that seeks to achieve righteousness. Salvation, however, is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Anything added to faith is a work that not only fails to save but also prevents salvation. Let us hold fast to the truth of the gospel and remain vigilant against the lies of works-based salvation.
Dear God, thank you for giving us your clear word. Thank you for allowing us to see what it says. Bless the readers. In Jesus' name, Amen.