Are Good Works Necessary to Get to Heaven?

Since my blog title is Grace Alone, I'm sure you probably know what my answer to that question is:  A resounding NO NO NO NO NO NO or as Paul would say "God forbid" or "May it never be".  In the Greek, the phrase used by Paul is Θεός φυλάξοι Mee genoito which means may it never come into being; the strongest negative that can be used is used.  Consider Eph 2:8-10 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. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

In these verses, we see that we are saved not by good works but by grace through faith.  We also see that the Christian is created in Christ Jesus for good works.  Another passage that reinforces this is Gal 2:15-16 We are Jews by nature and not sinners from among the Gentiles; nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.


There are many, many other verses in the New Testament that emphasize "Sole Gratia", Grace Alone.  However, the sinfulness of man has brought forth entire denominations that teach that we get to heaven based on our good works.  Most cannot define the quantity nor quality of the good works required, although some have tried to typify and rate certain deeds.  I spoke recently with a friend who believed that he would one day stand before God and try to convince him that his good works were sufficient to allow his entrance into heaven for eternity.  He is a member of a denomination whose members are some of the most moral people on the planet but he will never have the assurance of his salvation and his eternal hope of heaven is based on what he does, not what God has already done.

In my mind, one of the main problems with believing in salvation by works (other than the fact that it denies the teachings of the Bible) is that one who believes this always measures his works against the works of someone else.  If works can truly save, one must measure their works against the works of Christ and they must be equal or greater than his for them to qualify for eternal life.  Since his was a sin-free life, they are disqualified at birth because of their sinful nature.

OK, let's agree that works will not get you to heaven.  The next logical question is:  Why do good works if they are ineffectual for eternal life?  The scripture also speaks directly to this.  In fact, this verse was on one of those glittering cardboard wall hangings that was on the living room wall of the house where I grew up.  Matt 5:16 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.


My belief system is that not only will a Christian do good works, a Christian must do good works.  Do not put me into the legalism camp just yet.  Hear me out.  I also believe that we cannot help but do good works.  Once we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, good works will be the natural, or should I say super-natural, actions of our being.  We will not perfectly go good works and we will not necessarily constantly do good works but we will do good works.  As we move along the sanctification continuum, our good works will be more consistent and more God-dependent.  They will become such an integral part of our being that we will examine our motives less and less.  Our good works will become second nature.  The old sin nature will still be present in our lives but it will be relegated to a lower position as God chips away at our being removing the dross and replacing it with Christ-likeness.


We will act more quickly as God brings opportunities for service before us.  We will actually occasionally do good works that only we and the recipients are aware of.  In other words, we will not be seeking recognition but only the glory of God.  Again, this is a progression and is at times, a painfully slow progression.  We will quench the Holy Spirit and use all kinds of excuses for our inaction but these times will become more infrequent.  As we increase our knowledge of God and our world-view becomes more Biblical, our fear of what will others think will diminish and we will be more concerned with our obedience to God than the approval of man.


What if we do no good works but just slide through the "Christian life" always taking and never giving.  Do the scriptures say anything about this type of life style?  Listen and read.  James 2:14-17 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.


If what James is saying is true (and I believe in the inerrancy of the Bible), good works will be evident in the life of those who have been born again.  A life with no good works should be a warning sign and cause instant self-examination as mentioned in these verses.

2 Peter 1:1-11
1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.  Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;  for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

Perhaps, God's word has stirred you to action but you are hesitant and questioning about what "good works" look like.  There are myriads of examples and here are just a few. 

1. If appropriate, make a hospital visit even if the person is not a close friend.  Ask what needs are outstanding, say a quick prayer, and let the person and/or friend/relatives know of your availability.
2. Pick up the phone and call someone that you aware of that has a need even if you don't know all of the details.  Again, our availability is most important.
3. If you hear of a financial need, pray about it.  If you decide to give, try cash.  Sure, you can't deduct that on your 1040.  But, why are you giving?  Is it to meet a need or get a write-off?
4. Pray for someone often and let them know that you are praying.  This can mean so much and can be so powerful as God's providence is evidenced.
5. Take some one shopping, to the mall, the grocery, or out to lunch.  In other words, be available and be in contact.  Life is short.  Redeem the time.

One of my favorite quotes is "When you care enough for someone, you will make the time."

May our Heavenly Father bless as we live imperfect lives in preparation for a perfect eternal life with our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.