Works After Salvation

Many religions use this verse to justify their teaching that works is necessary in order to be “justified” or saved. But James was addressing the “brethren” (v. 1), and not how to get saved in this chapter. God’s salvation plan is “not by works of righteousness which we have done” (Titus 3:5). It is purely by His grace alone through faith alone, “for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works” (Eph 2:10). Our “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17).

 Lost sinners must trust Jesus alone as their Lord and Saviour by faith (Rom 4:16). Salvation is a free gift that “came upon all men unto justification of life” (Rom 5:18). Our works, religion, tradition, and philosophies (Col 2:8), can neither save nor add to the completed work of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s cross (1 Pet 2:24). However, godly works are the natural products of our spiritual growth (2 Pet 3:18), after salvation. This is because of “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22), being created by God in the believer’s life by the “things that accompany salvation” (Heb 6:9). If works are part of salvation, then we would be denying the all-sufficient “redemption” (Rom 3:24), and “atonement” (Rom 5:11), of Jesus Christ. “For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified” (Heb 10:14).

When James mentioned about Abraham being “justified by works,” he was referring to the works of his faith, which were both evidenced and demonstrated by his obedience to God when he was about to offer “Isaac his son upon the altar” (Gen 22:9). Abraham was saved only “by faith” (Heb 11:8), and not of works! If we have to work or keep the law and some man-made sacraments in order to be saved, “then Christ is dead in vain” (Gal 2:21), and salvation is no longer free. Bible salvation is by God’s grace alone, through faith in Jesus alone; without any admixture of faith and works! God bless you!



- Pastor Melito Barrera