The Role of Works

This chapter continues the study of obedience by examining the role that “works”[1] (“bearing fruit”) play in the plan of salvation. This is a lengthy chapter, for we must confront and clear away the rampant and widespread false teachings of man on this subject.[2] We must make our way through this material carefully so we understand the truth of Scripture instead of relying on the opinions and doctrines of men, committees, and institutions.

THREE TYPES OF WORKS

Much of the confusion about the role of works comes from trying to reconcile what Paul and James, both inspired writers, wrote in Scripture. But before we proceed further, please turn to the Book of James in your Bible: Is it still there? Yes, it is? Whew, you can breathe a big sigh of relief, and we can continue on the path of truth.[3] As Wayne Jackson states,[4] “the careful [Bible] student must recognize that there are different kinds of works addressed in the divine record”:

• Works of human merit—meritorious works, works of our own, works of human invention, deeds done in righteousness,
• Works of the Mosaic Law, and
• Works of faith done in obedience to God—which for us is obedience to the commandments of Christ and the instructions of His inspired apostles.

Understanding the above is key to reconciling what James and Paul wrote. The verses under consideration are:

1. “You have been saved through faith … not as a result of works” (Eph 2:8–10 Paul).
2. “A man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law” (Rom 3:28, Paul).
3. “A man is justified by works and not by faith alone” (Jas 2:14–26, James).

While those verses appear contradictory, we know that “the sum” of Scripture is truth and never contradicts itself (Psa 119:160; cf. 2Ti 3:16–17). Therefore, all of the verses have to be true statements when interpreted correctly, so we must go beyond a simple reading of the words and carefully consider their context:[5]

• In Ephesians 2:8–10, Paul is referring to works of human merit (see also Tit 3:5–7; 2Ti 1:9).[6]
• In Romans 3:28, Paul is referring to “works of the [Mosaic] Law” (see also Rom 3:20, 27; 4:2–6; 9:32; 11:6; Gal 2:16; 3:2–5; Php 3:9).
• In James 2:14–26, James is referring to works of faith done in obedience to Christ (see also Joh 6:27–29; Mat 5:16; Eph 2:10; Jon 3:10).[7]

The verses do not contradict each other—they have different contexts.[8] When reading and studying Scripture, you must first expand outward to see the context of the verse(s); failure to do so leads to many false teachings.[9]

WORKS OF FAITH DONE IN OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST

First, it is important to understand that one is not “earning” salvation by or through one’s works (of any kind). Only the shed blood of Christ forgives sin. I say again, there is nothing whatsoever that a man can do of himself to earn forgiveness of sins or salvation. It was “the gift of God” by “the grace of God”[10] (see Act 13:43; 20:24; Rom 5:15; Tit 2:11; 3:5–7; Eph 2:8–10) that put Christ on the cross for you—“the blood of Christ” (Eph 2:13; Heb 9:14; 1Pe 1:19; 1Co 10:16) cannot be earned, bought, or purchased. Furthermore, all of our righteousness comes from Christ, not from ourselves and not from any works we do, for we have “no righteousness of our own” (paraphrase; Rom 3:10, 23; cf. Php 3:9; Rom 1:17; 4:5; 5:21; 10:1–13; 1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:21; 2Pe 1:1; Psa 71:15–16; Isa 45:24; 46:13; 53:11; Jer 23:6; Dan 9:24).

However, at the same time, Scripture tells us that works of faith done in obedience to Christ do play a role in our salvation and contribute to our justification before God. We see it written:

• “But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,’ and he was called the friend of God.” (Jas 2:21–24)
• “In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?” (Jas 2:25)
• “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” (Jas 1:22)
• “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? … Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” (Jas 2:14, 17)
• “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” (Jas 2:26)
• “Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Mat 3:8)
• “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Mat 3:10; cf. Mat 7:19; Luk 3:9)
• “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Mat 5:16)
• “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” (Mat 7:21)
• “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them. …” (Mat 7:24 cf. Luk 6:47)
• “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” (Mat 9:37–38)
• “And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” (Mar 4:20; cf. Mat 13:8, 23; Mar 4:20; Luk 8:8, 15)
• “Therefore they said to Him [Jesus], ‘What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?’” (Joh 6:28)
• “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” (Joh 9:4)
• “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.” (Joh 15:2)
• “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” (Joh 15:4)
• “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” (Joh 15:8)
• “… in order that we might bear fruit for God.” (Rom 7:4)
• “… my fellow workers in Christ Jesus.” (Rom 16:3; cf. Php 4:3; Phm 24; 3Jn 8)
• “… workers in the Lord.” (Rom 16:12)
• “For we are God’s fellow workers …” (1Co 3:9)
• “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” (1Co 15:58)
• “… fellow workers for the kingdom of God.” (Col 4:11)
• “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Eph 2:10)
• “For the equipping of the saints for the work of service …” (Eph 4:12)
• “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works …” (1Ti 6:18)
• “So that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2Ti 3:17)
• “Equip you in every good thing to do His will …” (Heb 13:21)
• “I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance …” (Rev 2:2)
• “For I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.” (Rev 3:2)
• “I know your deeds.” (Rev 3:8, 15)

As you can see, Scripture has much to say on works of faith done in obedience that come naturally from a newly born-again heart (Heb 8:10; 10:16; Psa 37:4), one that has given itself to God in a changed life (Mat 6:10; 7:21; 12:50; Psa 40:8; Act 13:22; 21:14; Eph 6:6; Heb 10:7, 36; 13:21; 1Pe 4:2) as a “bond-servant”[11] of Christ (Rom 1:1; Gal 1:10; Col 1:7; 4:7; 2Ti 2:24; Tit 1:1; Jas 1:1; 2Pe 1:1; Jud 1; Rev 15:3; cf. Act 4:29; 16:17; 2Co 4:5; Php 1:1; Rev 1:1; 2:20; 7:3; 11:18; 19:2, 5; 22:3, 6). These “good works” do not diminish “the grace of God” one iota (Gal 2:21).

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD (FAITH IS AN ACTION TERM)

Scripture further teaches that genuine faith that is pleasing to God expresses itself in active obedience to Christ and His commandments. It is written that Jesus expects to find you “doing” (see Mat 25:14–30) when He returns (Mat 3:10; 7:13; Luk 3:9);[12] Christianity is as much about action as it is about the profession of faith, for it is written, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them…” (Mat 7:24, my emphasis; cf. Rom 2:13; Jas 1:22–25; Mat 7:21; 12:50; Mar 3:35; 1Jn 2:17; Joh 8:31, 51) and “Faith without works is dead” (Jas 2:26). Wayne Jackson writes that faith is demonstrated to be an action term:[13]

It is important to note that “faith” in the biblical sense has never denoted a mere passive acceptance of certain facts. Rather, it is a term of active obedience. Actually, faith consists of three elements:

1. An acknowledgement of historical facts;
2. A willingness to trust the Lord, and;
3. A wholehearted submission to the divine will.

One cannot but notice how “faith” is demonstrated to be an action term in Hebrews 11. “By faith” Abel offered; Noah prepared; Abraham obeyed; etc. The inspired James made it wonderfully clear that faith, divorced from obedience, is dead (Jas. 2:26).

Therefore, please understand that faith and works aren’t mutually exclusive, nor are they in opposition to each other. They are like two sides of the same hand, both working together (Jas 2:22; cf. Jas 1:22–24; 2:24; Rom 2:13), with one important exception: faith comes first, and it is only by and through your faith in Christ, “abiding in Him” and “He in you,” that you can do any “good works” (see Joh 15:1–10).[14] Such obedience and resulting “good works” do not take anything away from what Christ did on the cross; on the contrary, they bring glory to God and Jesus.

PROVING YOUR FAITH IS GENUINE

Moreover, it is by your “good works” (Mat 5:16; cf. Eph 2:10; 1Ti 2:10; 6:18; 2Co 9:8; Tit 2:7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14; Heb 10:24; 1Pe 2:12; Rev 3:2) that you “prove” your faith to be genuine (Joh 15:8; Jas 1:22)—both before man and before God. When God says He will do something, He always does. In contrast, what a man says, he seldom does. It is not the hearers and idle professors (pretenders) of the Word who will be saved, for as it is written, “Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (Jas 1:22–25; cf. Mat 7:21; 12:50; Mar 3:35; 1Jn 2:17; Joh 8:31, 51; Rom 2:13). “Hypocrites” (Mat 6:2, 5, 16; 15:7–8; 22:18; 23:13–15, 23–29; 24:51; Mar 7:6; Luk 12:56; 13:15) who idly profess faith in Christ and yet do not do the will of God will be judged accordingly on “the day of Judgment.”[15]

Additionally, God does not condone or tolerate idleness; on the contrary, He condemns it. As it is written, “Every tree [person] that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (see Mat 3:10; Luk 3:9). He expects those who are saved to be active and at work in His vineyard (Matt 20:1–16), which is His kingdom. If you do not act on your faith, your faith will neither justify you nor save you to eternal life; it is what the Bible calls a “dead faith” (paraphrase, Jas 2:17, 26). To the false teachers who disavow the role of works, I ask: Do you think a “dead” faith will save you to “eternal life”?[16] Will a “dead” faith please God? So now I ask you straight up: Do you want “dead” faith? Does the Bible state that God accepts “dead” faith? Does the Bible state that God even accepts “lukewarm” faith (Rev 3:16)? The answer is unequivocally no to all those questions! Even further, Scripture makes it clear that the Lord notices what a man does as much as what he says (Jon 1:1–3:10; Rev 2:2; 3:2; Rom 2:13; Pro 5:21; 15:3).

To drive the point home even further, here are a few things that the secular world says on this subject:

• “Talk is cheap.”
• “This is where the rubber meets the road.”
• “Actions speak louder than words.”
• “Put up or shut up.”
• Giving “lip service” to something (but not doing it).
• “Put your money where your mouth is.”
• “Practice what you preach.”
• “You’ve got to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.”
• “Watch what they do, not what they say.”

As you can see, even the heathen understands this concept very well. Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m not even remotely suggesting that you get your Christian doctrine from the secular world,[17] but you can see that even the heathen understands that it is your actions that back up your words and prove them to be genuine. In the same way, God expects you, and Scripture commands you, to prove your faith is real by backing it up with action. Scripture makes it clear that you must act on your faith to be saved (justified before God) and for your faith to be pleasing to God (Jas 2:20, 26). What if Noah, Abraham, and Moses never actually did anything after proclaiming faith in God? What if Noah never built an ark and Abraham never offered up Isaac? Would you believe that their professions of faith were genuine? I don’t think you would.

And let’s take this up to the very top, the absolute highest pinnacle of authority: God Himself. What if God constantly talked about how He wants humanity to be saved from sin and to have eternal life with Him in heaven, but He never actually did anything about it? What if He never actually gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for you? What if Jesus claimed that He could heal people, but He never actually healed anyone? And finally, what if Jesus said He would die on the cross for your sins, but He never actually did it (Mat 26:42)? Would you take God seriously? You can see that even God backs up His professions and words with His actions.

BEARING FRUIT FOR THE LORD

If you love God, you will do what pleases Him (Joh 14:15), which is to love and serve others. How do we do that? We support, help, instruct, provide for, care for, and serve others as if they were ourselves (Mat 19:19; 22:39; Mar 12:31; Luk 3:11; Rom 13:9; Gal 5:14; Php 2:4; Jas 2:8, 15–16). And since many of Christ’s commandments involve taking action of some kind,[18] a Christian who lives his or her life in obedience to the Gospel and the commandments of Christ (and His apostles) can’t help but “bear fruit” (Mat 3:10; 7:19; Mar 4:20; Luk 8:15; Joh 15:2–5, 16; Rom 7:4–5; cf. Mat 3:8) for the Lord (i.e., do “good works,” Mat 5:16; Joh 10:32; Eph 2:10; 1Ti 2:10; 5:10; 6:18; cf. Col 1:10; 2Th 2:17; 1Ti 5:10; 2Ti 2:21; 3:17). That will be the natural result[19] if we wake up each day seeking to do God’s will instead of our own (Mat 6:10; Eph 1:11; Col 1:9; Heb 13:21; 1Jn 5:14; Act 21:14; cf. Jas 4:15; 1Co 4:19; Mat 26:42) as we “work” (see Mat 9:37–38; Rom 16:3, 12; 1Co 3:9; 15:58; Eph 2:10; Php 4:3; Col 4:11; Phm 24; 3Jn 8; cf. Mat 24:45–51; Luk 12:43; Joh 6:28; Gal 6:9; Rev 2:19; 3:2) in “the kingdom of God.”[20]

As a follower of Christ, you are:

• A “fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom” (Rev 1:9; Mat 24:9; Joh 16:33; Act 14:22; Rom 5:3; 8:35; 12:12; 14:7–8; Php 1:21; Eph 3:13; Heb 10:33; Rev 2:9–10; 7:14),
• A “fellow worker and fellow soldier” (see Php 2:25; 4:3; Rom 16:3, 9, 21; 1Co 3:9; 2Co 8:23; Col 4:11; 1Th 3:2; Phm 2, 24; 3Jn 8),
• A “priest” (see Rev 1:6; 5:10), and even further,
• An “ambassador for Christ” (see 2Co 5:20; cf. Php 1:27; Eph 6:20).

Scripture tells us that we will know false prophets by their (bad or rotten) fruit, and we as Christians will also be known by our (hopefully good) fruit (Mat 7:16, 20). A true Christian will produce fruit for the Lord, “some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty” (Mat 13:8, 23; cf. Mar 4:8, 20; Eph 2:10). This isn’t to imply that you are being placed under a great burden to produce “good works” continually (i.e., nonstop, every single day), or you will lose your salvation. In fact, it is written: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Mat 11:28–30). Compared to being in bondage to sin with Satan as your master or trying to fulfill 100 percent of the requirements of the Mosaic Law yourself (which no man can do), you are under the amazing Law of Grace in Christ. Furthermore, Christ “abiding in” you gives you the necessary wisdom, strength, power, and perseverance to “bear fruit” for the Lord.[21]

Please also realize that we are not all called to do the same works. Some works will be great, and others will be small or mundane—but all works done in obedience to Christ are “good works.” Some examples might include:

• Helping those who are needy, widows, the homeless, the sick, those who are in prison, and so on (Mat 5:42; 6:2–3; 10:42; 25:35–40; Luk 3:11; 6:29–31, 38; Act 2:45; 4:34–35; 20:34–35; Rom 12:8, 13; 2Co 8:14–15; 9:6–7; Php 2:4; 1Ti 6:17–18; Heb 13:16; Jas 2:15–16; 1Jn 3:17; cf. Pro 3:27; 19:17; 22:9; 28:27; 31:8–9);
• Leading someone to Christ by sharing the Gospel with them;[22]
• Raising your children to know and love the Lord (Pro 22:6; Eph 6:4; Deu 6:7);
• Looking after the needs of your family (1Ti 5:8; cf. Pro 6:6, 9; 13:4; 15:19; 19:15, 24; 20:4; 21:25; 24:30–34; 26:13–16);
• Being kind, compassionate, and considerate to others (Eph 4:32; Heb 13:2; 1Co 13:4–5; Php 2:4);
• Doing your job well, with integrity, honesty, and an attitude of “whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Col 3:23; cf. 1Co 9:23; 10:31);
• Loving others as yourself (Mat 5:43; 19:19; 22:39; Mar 12:31; Rom 13:9; Gal 5:14; Jas 2:8); or
• Just doing a kindly deed, helping others, giving to those in need, and so on (2Th 3:13; Luk 6:38; Gal 6:2; Jas 1:27; Luk 12:33–34; Pro 19:17; 22:9; 1Ti 6:17–19; Mat 5:42; Act 20:35).

Remember, it is written: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Eph 2:10). We are following the examples of the giants in the faith who have come before us (e.g., Noah, Abraham, Moses, Paul, and even Jesus), who all demonstrated their faith by their actions (works).

ON BOASTING ABOUT WORKS

When discussing works, we must also address boasting. It’s natural for us to feel good and have a sense of accomplishment when we do something good, but realize that “pride” can still be a formidable enemy, even for the born-again Christian (Mat 18:4; Luk 9:48; 18:14; Rom 12:3; Jas 4:6–10; 1Pe 5:5-6)—we must remain “humble” at all times in all things and in all places as Christ was (see Mat 11:29; 18:1–4; Mar 7:20–23; Luk 1:52; Rom 11:20; 12:3, 16; 1Co 10:12; 2Co 12:7; Php 2:3; Gal 6:3; Jas 4:6, 10; 1Ti 3:6; 6:17; 1Pe 3:8; 5:5–6; 1Jn 2:16; cf. Pro 6:16–19; 8:13; 13:10; 16:5, 18; 11:2; 16:19; 18:12; 21:4; 26:12; 27:2; 29:23; Dan 4:37; Isa 2:12; Psa 101:5; 138:6; Eze 16:50).[23]^, [24] In fact, it is very likely that right after you have done something good for the Lord, Satan will attack you with prideful temptations (Eph 6:16; Jas 4:7), and we must continually be on guard against that. Let us, therefore, not become haughty, arrogant, or “puffed up” by any good works that we might do, and nothing in this chapter should be misconstrued to mean you can or should boast about your “good works”—not before men and most certainly not before God. As it is written, “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Mat 23:12; cf. Luk 14:7–14; 18:14). So, “boasting” is wholly excluded from the behavior of a Christian (see 1Co 1:29–31; 3:21; 5:6; 2Co 10:17; Gal 5:26; 6:14; Eph 2:9; Jas 4:16; cf. Rom 1:30; 4:2; 1Co 9:16; 2Ti 3:2; 1Jn 2:16). Let us also remain mindful of the following:

1. “There is none righteous, not even one” (Rom 3:10;Rom 3:23; 11:32).
2. We were saved from our sins and death (born again with our sins forgiven and offered eternal life) by the grace[25] and the gift of God, and it is that grace of God out of love, mercy, kindness, and compassion (not our works) that put Christ on the cross so our sins can be forgiven (Eph 2:8–10).[26]
3. We have nothing that God needs (Act 17:24–25). We can only offer our worship, thanksgiving, gratitude, praise, love, and service to God, and our service is manifested through our “good works” done for others.
4. We can do nothing good of ourselves (Rom 7:18; Psa 16:2). We are only able to be obedient and do “good works” (“bear fruit”) of any kind by the power of Christ living in us (Joh 15:1–10; Php 4:13; Zec 4:6).[27]
5. We realize that “every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above” (Jas 1:17), not from ourselves.
6. We understand that God is no respecter of persons (Act 10:34). The wisest, strongest, smartest, richest, most powerful man is but a mere puff of wind, soon passing away again and returning to dust (Gen 3:19; cf. Luk 12:15–21; 18:18–25; Jas 1:9–11; Psa 37:10; 39:5–6; 89:47; 102:11; 103:15–16; 144:4; Pro 10:25; 12:7; Job 4:19; 8:9; 14:1–3; 25:6; Ecc 1:2; 1:14; 12:8).

The apostle Paul writes, “May it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal 6:14; cf. Luk 17:9–10; 1Co 1:26–31; 2Co 10:17; 12:9–10; Gal 5:26; Php 2:3; Joh 3:30; Rom 3:10; 11:32; Job 7:17; 15:14; 38:1–42:6; Psa 103:14; 144:3–4). And John the Baptist had the correct attitude and perspective when he said, “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease” (Joh 3:30; cf. Psa 70:4).

BEWARE OF FALSE TEACHINGS

Unfortunately, the role of works in the biblical plan of salvation has been badly distorted today. The following false teachings are absolutely rampant at this time, especially in American Christendom:

• You Are “Saved by Faith Alone”: Faith-only advocates falsely claim that you are saved solely by a profession of faith (“faith alone”) and that works play no part whatsoever in the plan of salvation or the justification of the believer.[28]^{, [29], [30]} They wrongly teach this despite the clear and direct Scripture that I have shown you in this chapter about the role that works play in the salvation of the believer. To support their false teaching, the “wolves”:
  • Take Ephesians 2:8–10 out of context,
  • Call on Martin Luther’s rewrite of Romans 3:28, and
  • Distort (or discard entirely) the Book of James. They single out particular verses that mention only one aspect of salvation while conveniently ignoring others. As we have discussed, correct doctrine can only be formed by considering and harmonizing all (“the sum”) of what Scripture has to say on any topic (Psa 119:160; 2Ti 3:16–17).
• Baptism-Related False Teachings: While seemingly unrelated to the subject of works but strangely linked to it, the “faith alone” false teachers then amplify their error by claiming that baptism is a “good work of man” (merely performed out of obedience as “an outward sign of inner faith”), and they therefore exclude it from being required for salvation since they exclude all works. I hope you followed that twisted logic! However, I have already explained to you the truth about baptism.[31] Furthermore, baptism is not a “good work of man”; it is actually a commandment of God and a good work of God in you (Col 2:12; cf. Rom 6:4).[32]

Wayne Jackson writes:[33]

It is utterly incredible that some, professing an acquaintance with the New Testament, deny the role of works (obedience) in the sacred scheme of redemption. Jesus plainly taught that one must “work” for that spiritual sustenance which abides unto eternal life (Jn. 6:27), and that even faith itself is a divinely appointed “work” (Jn. 6:29).

He writes further on Ephesians 2:8–10:[34]

Following conversion, further obedience is required. Christians are God’s “workmanship,” having been “created” (i.e., having experienced the “new creation” [2Co 5:17 ESV]) “in Christ” (into whom we were immersed [see Rom 6:3–4; Gal 3:26–27 ESV]). We are obliged to continue “walking in them” (the good works), none of which earns salvation. To contend that verses eight through ten teach the dogma of “faith alone,” without other acts of obedience, is an exegetical travesty.

David Lipscomb writes on Ephesians 2:8–10:[41]

God appoints certain things to be done. Man must do them, but they are God’s works. When he does the things appointed by God, he does not do his own works, but God’s. Man is saved by walking in the way appointed by God, by doing the things commanded of God. He is saved in doing the works of God. He is not saved because of the merits of the works, but because he proves his faith by doing the things commanded by God. The works of the Jewish law, after that law was fulfilled and taken out of the way, ceased to be the works and appointments of God, and became man’s works. This does not teach that man cannot be saved by walking in the works of God.

Then the whole drift of Paul’s argument is to cut man off from all works and inventions devised by man, that allow glorying, and that produce only human righteousness, and tie him down as a lost and ruined sinner, dependent upon the works of God provided in the gospel and sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ for salvation. To these he must come by faith in Jesus Christ. He is not dissuading or discouraging men from doing in faith all that God through Christ has provided and commanded and sealed with his blood. He cuts him off from everything save these, and leaves him to walk in “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” as his only hope. In this walk he comes to the blood-sealed appointments of God, and is washed and cleansed by the blood of the Son of God. He did not discourage them from walking in that law. By so walking he does the works of God. He does the works without which faith is dead and by which James says (2:14-20) it is made perfect and by which we may be justified before God. The works of God, the works of faith, are included in the law of faith that makes faith perfect, excludes all glorying, and justifies man. Paul and James, so far from disagreeing, agree perfectly. Paul cuts man off from everything except the works contained in the law of faith, and James warns that no faith can justify that is not made perfect by works, included in the law of faith, and to which faith leads.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,—Christians are the workmanship of God, begotten by him, perfected by his direction and guidance, and are created in order to perform the good works in which God has ordained us to walk. The things he has commanded us to do are those embraced in his commands to us.

I have clearly shown you in this book that those who proclaim the “saved by faith alone” false teaching are actually triply wrong:[35]

• Works of faith done in obedience to the commandments of Christ (and the instructions of His apostles) play an important role in the biblical plan of salvation, contribute to your justification before God, and serve to prove your faith is genuine.
• Baptism is not a “good work” of man—it is a work of God in you.
• Baptism is required for salvation (to be born again, “for the forgiveness of your sins”).

BUT WHAT ABOUT ABRAHAM?

Was Abraham justified by “faith alone” or by “faith working with his works”? We see it written:

• “What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’ … For we say, ‘Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.’ … For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace.” (Rom 4:1–3, 9, 16)

But also:

• “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,’ and he was called the friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (Jas 2:21–24)

Once again, on the surface, these verses appear to be conflicting, and many use Romans 4:2 in isolation (while ignoring, discarding, or distorting the Book of James) to support their notion that Abraham was saved by “faith alone.” But we must consider what Scripture says more fully and in a wider context. First, note that Romans does not say Abraham was justified by faith alone. Second, as we keep reading, James tells us further that Abraham was justified by his “faith working with his works” (of obedience; see Jas 2:22).[36] Third, Romans 4:2 refers to meritorious works, while James 2:21 refers to works of faith done in obedience. There is no conflict here—the verses all work together in harmony (Psa 119:160).

Additionally, as mentioned prior, we are told that God notices your “deeds” (what you do, your works) as much as your profession of faith, and He expects us to accomplish our works (Rev 2:2–6; 2:19–26; 3:1–8, 15; 14:13; Mat 3:8; Luk 3:8; cf. Jon 3:10). Said another way, God watches what you do to confirm your profession of faith; in Abraham’s case, that was trusting God regarding offering up Isaac as a sacrifice (Heb 11:17). It may help you to read what another trusted brother in Christ has written on this subject. Guy N. Woods writes on James 2:21–24:[37]

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works,—To establish his thesis that faith, apart from works, is useless and vain, James turns to the father of the Hebrew race (Abraham), and offers him as an example of the fact that works are vital in God’s plan…. Abraham is the spiritual ancestor of all “who [also] walk in the steps of” his faith today (Rom. 4:1–25 [KJV]); and all who are Christ’s, are “Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:29 [KJV]). The principle involved in Abraham’s justification is, therefore, illustrative of the manner in which all men are justified today….

(2) Abraham was justified “by works.” The words, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works,” translate the Greek phrase, Abraham ho pater hemon ouk ex ergon edikaiothe, the negative ouk indicating that an affirmative answer is expected. Thus, even the objector—who alleges that faith, without works, produces a blessing,—must concede that, in Abraham’s case, justification was by works. The preposition “by” (Greek, ex, out of), points to the source of Abraham’s justification; it was out of works that he was justified, not by means of works. Works, as such, are not efficacious; God, it is, who declares one just; but God does it out of works—that is, he issues the verdict when the works appear. Only God can justify; but God justifies only when the works, which he prescribes, appear. The verdict of justification results from the works. Hence, no works, no justification! There was a definite time and place when Abraham was justified. When was it?

in that he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar?—It will be noted that the phrase “in that,” with which this portion of the verse begins, is, in the King James Translation, “When….” The meaning is the same. Inasmuch as the verb is aorist (which indicates an action contemporary with, or prior to the action of the main verb), the meaning here is that the declaration of Abraham’s justification and his offering of Isaac were simultaneous; i.e., out of (ek) the one—the offering—the other—justification—occurred. For the story of Abraham and his offering of his son Isaac, see Gen. 22:19 [KJV], and compare Heb. 11:17–19 [KJV].

22 Thou seest that faith wrought with his works,—James points his objector to the obvious truth of that he had just penned. It was easy to see, in this historic incident, that Abraham’s faith wrought (exercised itself) with his works in offering up his son Isaac. “Wrought with” is from sunergei, imperfect active of su-nergeo, to cooperate with; hence, faith and works kept on cooperating with each other to produce the result—Abraham’s justification.

and by works was faith made perfect;—It was “by” (Greek, ek, out of) works that faith, in Abraham’s case, was “made perfect.” The phrase, “made perfect,” is from eteleiothe, aorist passive indicative of telfio, to consummate, to complete, to finish. The tenses in this verse are highly significant. Faith was continually exercising itself (imperfect tense) with works (the command to offer up Isaac on the altar), and out of these works faith was perfected at once (aorist tense). Neither works nor faith operating alone can justify; each in cooperation with the other produces that status wherein God justifies.

23 and the scripture was fulfilled which saith, And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness;—The Scripture alluded to here is that found in Gen. 15:6 [ASV]: “And he believed in Jehovah; and he reckoned it to him for righteousness.” This was affirmed of Abraham after the illustrious patriarch had accepted, without question, and despite his childlessness, and the advanced ages of himself and his wife Sarah, God’s promise of vast posterity. Not knowing at the time how such could be, he nevertheless believed that it would be and stumbled not at the promise of God in unbelief. This scripture (Gen. 15:6) is declared to have been fulfilled when Abraham’s faith was made perfect. It is vitally important to observe when the scripture referred to was fulfilled. Though Abraham was earlier (Gen. 15:6) acknowledged as a believer, and his faith “reckoned” for righteousness, it was not until later (Gen. 22:1–19) that his faith was consummated (made perfect) in the act of obedience involving Isaac. Abraham believed God, prior to this act of obedience; i.e., he fully accepted God’s word, and relied implicitly on the promises which it contained; and, as a result, his faith “was reckoned unto him for righteousness….” “To reckon” (elogisthe) is to regard, deem, consider, account; hence, God deemed, considered, regarded Abraham’s faith as righteousness (right-doing). Faith itself thus became an act of obedience which, in its exercise, and when, at the moment, there were no additional duties devolving upon Abraham, God accepted as proof of Abraham’s devotion.

One must not from this assume that the exercise of belief bestowed upon Abraham blessings apart from and independent of any obedience; though this conclusion is often drawn, it is an erroneous and hurtful one. In the nature of the case, the promise of great posterity involved matters which would require considerable time for their development; hence, there was nothing more, at the moment, for Abraham to do but to accept, without hesitation, the assurances of such from God. This, he did; and his acceptance thereof became an act of righteousness which God, in his turn, accepted, and put to Abraham’s account for righteousness (right-doing). It is a violent perversion of this passage and historic incident from it to assume that because Abraham’s faith was accepted as an act of righteousness when there was nothing else required of him at the time that in our case faith will suffice without the performance of those conditions which are required of us now. Even in Abraham’s case, as James so clearly shows, the patriarch’s faith did not reach its consummation, its fulfillment, until it had translated itself into action in the offering of Isaac.

WHAT ABOUT ISAIAH’S “FILTHY RAGS”?

And what about the verse in Isaiah where it states that “all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment” (“filthy rags,” KJV; Isa 64:6)? Here again, the “faith alone” false teachers take a verse out of context, distort it, and generalize it to mean whatever they wish (even if it contradicts other clear and direct verses of Scripture elsewhere). In this case, Isaiah was lamenting about how wretched and pitiful (disgusting) the ancient Jews had become in their worship of the Lord. Even when they occasionally did “righteous deeds” according to the Mosaic Law, they did them half-heartedly, without sincerity, in rote, mechanical fashion, and without true reverence for the Lord (see also Mat 15:8; Mar 7:6).

Furthermore, a couple of additional comments are warranted on this verse, as it’s widely used to support the denial of the role of works in salvation. First, when compared to the unimaginable holiness and glory of God, all things about us and anything we might do (including our “good works”) will indeed appear as “filthy rags.” Second, it is an abuse of interpretation and a disrespect to God to apply this verse to the specific commandments of Christ to which we are to be obedient. Why would actions done in obedience to Christ’s commands be interpreted as “filthy rags”? By way of illustration, surely God would not consider the act (work) of preaching the Gospel to all creation (which is an act of obedience to one of Christ’s commands) to be viewed as a “filthy rag,” would He? Such an interpretation does great violence to the Gospel and Christ—“May it never be!” (Rom 6:2). On the contrary, God would view such acts of obedience as being “well done, [by a] good and faithful servant” (see Mat 25:21, 23 KJV).

IN SUMMARY

I hope this chapter has given you a good understanding of the role that works have in the NT plan of salvation. While one cannot buy or earn forgiveness of sin through any works one might do, Christian faith, however, is an action term, and once you are born again, your “good works” done in active obedience to Christ work together with your faith (prove the sincerity of it), “bear fruit” for the Lord, and contribute to your justification before God. As God’s grace was made manifest in Jesus, genuine saving Christian faith is made manifest by your works or deeds—faith and works go hand in hand for a true Christian. It is never written in Scripture that you are saved by faith alone; in fact, just the opposite is explicitly stated: “Faith without works is dead” (Jas 2:26); “A man is justified by works and not by faith alone” (Jas 2:24); and “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Mat 7:19; cf. Mat 3:10; Luk 3:9). Those are very clear and direct verses that cannot be explained away or twisted into some other meaning; you simply cannot evade the force of those verses!

It is my works that testify (demonstrate, prove) that I am a Christian, and it is your works that testify (demonstrate, prove) that you are a Christian. Your works actually complete (“perfect”) your faith (Jas 2:22).[38] You may choose to stand before the Lord on “the day of judgment”[39] without any “good works” (of faith done in obedience), but I want to be able to stand before Him on that Day having received “the forgiveness of [my] sins” (at baptism, Act 2:38; cf. Act 22:16; Tit 3:5–7; Eph 5:26; Mar 16:16; Rom 6:3–10) “by the blood of Christ” (Eph 2:13; cf. 1Pe 1:2; Rev 1:5) so I can be covered by the “righteousness” of Christ (Rom 5:17, 31; 8:10; 10:6; 1Co 1:30; Php 1:11; 3:9; 2Pe 1:1) and also “justified” (Jas 2:21, 24–25) by being able to say, “Lord, ‘I will show you my faith by my works’” (my italics; Jas 2:18). By doing so, I will be able to stand in the blessed company of Noah, Abraham, and countless others who have done the same.

I also hope this chapter has helped the following verses become clear to you now:

• But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (Jas 2:18)
• You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected. (Jas 2:22)
• For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. (Jas 2:26)
• But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. (italics mine; Jas 1:22)
• “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” (italics mine; Joh 15:8)

For those who have succumbed to the “saved by faith alone” fake gospel, I hope you will restudy the matter. Truth be told, I also believed that false teaching at one time, but I have now come out of that false gospel into truth (Rev 18:4; cf. Joh 4:23–24; Psa 145:18; Jud 3; Col 1:23). I hope you choose to do likewise.[40] Let’s close this chapter with a verse:

• Then He [Jesus] said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” (italics mine; Mat 9:37–38)