Introduction: Are We Saved by Faith or by Works?

One of the most misunderstood teachings in Christianity today is the relationship between faith and works. Many believe that faith in Jesus is not enough—that true believers must also demonstrate dramatic life changes, stop sinning completely, or show spiritual gifts to prove they’re saved.

But what does the Bible actually teach about salvation? Is it by faith alone or faith plus works? And what about believers who still struggle with sin?

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV)

Faith Alone Saves—Not Works

Scripture is crystal clear: salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by anything we do. This is the heart of the gospel.

“To the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.” – Romans 4:5 (NIV)

Paul consistently preached that trying to mix works into the message of salvation nullifies grace:

“If righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” – Galatians 2:21 (NIV)

True faith is not about earning salvation. It’s about trusting in the finished work of Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.

The Error of Faith Plus Performance

Many modern teachings distort the gospel by claiming you must “really believe” by:

• Stopping all sin
• Showing rapid life transformation
• Displaying spiritual gifts (like tongues or prophecy)

While spiritual growth is a beautiful part of the Christian life, it is not a requirement for salvation. These expectations lead to a “faith + works” mindset, which Paul strongly rebuked in his letters.

“Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” – Galatians 3:3 (NIV)

True faith isn’t measured by outward signs but by the inward trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

What About Carnal Christians?

Some struggle with the idea that a “real Christian” could still sin regularly or appear spiritually immature. But the Bible acknowledges the reality of carnal (worldly) believers—those who are saved, yet live according to the flesh.

“Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 3:1 (NIV)

They were saved (“in Christ”), yet acting fleshly. They were still God’s children, not lost—but they were subject to chastening (Hebrews 12:6).

“The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” – Hebrews 12:6 (NIV)

Salvation is secure. But living in disobedience invites discipline, not damnation.

Salvation Is Not Behavior Modification

Faith is not about behavior modification or moral improvement. It is about complete dependence on the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

Righteousness is not something we work up from within; it is something imputed to us by grace when we believe.

So Why Do Good Works Matter at All?

While works do not save us, they are still important—not for salvation, but for reward and witness.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Works flow from salvation, not toward it. A saved person may or may not walk in the Spirit, but their salvation is never based on their performance.