Although we live in a world that raises lots of questions, none of those questions is as important as “What must I do to be saved and go to heaven?” First, the Calvinistic idea that God has already determined who will go to heaven and who will go to hell, is a false doctrine. Second, the question arises, “Is my eternal salvation based solely on faith or solely on works?” Again, eternal salvation is not one or the other, but as Paul wrote, salvation “In Christ Jesus (is) faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6). One is saved by faith in Christ Jesus, but that faith must be manifested by the work that one does. But, the work that one accomplishes, does not earn that person salvation. It only shows that he or she trusts in what Christ has said and is being obedient to His will. Jesus summarized this principle when He said, “So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done’” (Luke 17:10).
Some do not realize that the Bible speaks of different kinds of works. There are works of merit which would mean that one earns the right to go to heaven and works which manifest faith. Some have thought that Ephesians 2:8-9 speaks of any kind of work, but in reality, it condemns only works where one thinks he earns salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Salvation is by the grace of God which comes to one who trust Jesus Christ as his savior and is obedient (Hebrews 5:9).
Works One Must Do
When the church began and Peter preached the first message persuading people to be saved, he closed his message by saying, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ – this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36). He said, “You must believe that Jesus is the Lord and Christ.” Then they asked “Brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). If, there was nothing one must do to become a Christian, that would have been the perfect time for Peter to have said, “There is nothing you must do; it is all by faith.” But, that is not the answer Peter gave. He told them what they had to do – the work they had to do in order to be saved. “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Repentance was a work they had to perform. So, forgiveness of sins is not based solely on faith, but man must prove that faith by repenting. Repentance is not the only work that one must do to be saved. Peter explained to Cornelius, “But in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him” (Acts 10:35). Notice, in order to be saved and to continue in a saved condition, one must “do” (work) what is right.
Conclusion
Salvation is not by works. Neither is salvation by faith alone, but it is “faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6). James said, “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself” (James 2:17).
Wayne Burger
