The first issue is what is meant by "saved"? Does it mean allowing a person to be an heir to the kingdom of Heaven (as mentioned by Paul in Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 3:26-29, Titus 3:7, Hebrews 11:8-9, James 2:5, and 1 Peter 3:7) or "saved from hell and automatically guaranteed a spot in heaven"? The confusion about what is meant by "being saved" is the single-most problem in discussing this topic. So, this topic focuses on what is required to enter the kingdom of Heaven since that is the ultimate goal of the people who accept God's Word.
Commentary: The primary verses that cause confusion on this topic are in Ephesians 2:8-9, [8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. Go to Ephesians 2:8-10 for further commentary.
Grace and works are required to enter the kingdom of Heaven
The scriptures are consistent by stating that Jesus was offered by grace for our sins, that we go through a door and become heirs to eternal life when we accept Jesus, that our faith is proved by our works and not our mouths, so that judgement to enter Heaven is based on our works (our faith) only after we have accepted the grace offered by God through Jesus.
The huge amount of the Gospel requiring works cannot be ignored.
God provided grace that we can become heirs to the kingdom of Heaven. Grace is God providing a door that we can go through (John 10:9 - I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture). Ephesians 2:8-9 talks about the door being provided by grace and our works cannot create another door.
After going through the door by entering into a covenant through Jesus (Galatians 3:27 - For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ), we enter on a path as heirs to the kingdom of Heaven. Beware that heirs do not automatically inherit their fortune - they can be disinherited, so they must endure to the time that they receive their inheritance (Mark 13:13 ... but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved). Our good works either keep us on the path or our evil works can still cause us to leave the path and we lose our inheritance (Galatians 3:29 - And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise, and Titus 3:7 - That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life).
If we do not do good works, that is a sin (James 4:17 - Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin), so we must do good works, it is not an option.
When it is time to be judged, and everyone will be judged, we will be judged according to our works (Revelation 20:12 - And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works, and Revelation 20:15 - And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire).
Old Testament
We are commanded by God to do works - Key Verse -
Deuteronomy 6:24-25
[24] And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. [25] And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.
We are cursed if we do not do (works) of the law - Key Verse -
Deuteronomy 27:26 Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen
Commentary: In the Old Testament, the works of the law were part of the covenant God made with Israel. This is a type and shadow for the new covenant. God never changes, so if He requires works for one covenant, he requires works for all covenants.
God commands us to perform works (walk in his ways) in order to have life.
Deuteronomy 30:11-16
[11] For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.
[12] It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
[13] Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
[14] But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.
[15] See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;
[16] In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.
We must perform work (walk in his ways)
Joshua 22:5 But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.
God destroys men based on their works
Job 34:23-27
[23] For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God.
[24] He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.
[25] Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.
[26] He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;
[27] Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:
God judges people on their works
Ecclesiates 3:17-22
[17] I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
[18] I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
[19] For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
[20] All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
[21] Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
[22] Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
Talks of Grace, “All things come alike to all” and the need for works - Key Verse -
Ecclesiastes 9:1-2
[1] For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them.
[2] All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.
God accepts works
Ecclesiastes 9:7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
Whole duty of man is to keep his commandments (which requires works) - Key Verse -
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
[13] Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
[14] For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.
Commentary: From Matthew Henry, “4. The great thing to be then judged of concerning every work is whether it be good or evil, conformable to the will of God or a violation of it. 5. Even secret things, both good and evil, will be brought to light, and brought to account, in the judgment of the great day (Rom. ii. 16); there is no good work, no bad work, hid, but shall then be made manifest.”
God rewards righteousness (i.e. works - ways of the Lord) - Key Verse -
2 Samuel 22:21-25
[21] The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
[22] For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
[23] For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them.
[24] I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity.
[25] Therefore the Lord hath recompensed me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness in his eye sight.
God rewards righteousness (i.e. works - ways of the Lord)
Psalms 18:20-24
[20] The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
[21] For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
[22] For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me.
[23] I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.
[24] Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.
God gives grace but with the condition of works
Psalms 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Stop doing evil [works] and do good [works]
Isaiah 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
God will judge based on works - Key Verse -
Isaiah 65:6-7
[6] Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,
[7] Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the Lord, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.
God will judge based on works
Isaiah 66:15-18
[15] For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.
[16] For by fire and by his sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many.
[17] They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the Lord.
[18] For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.
God rewards good works - Key Verse -
Jeremiah 17:10 - I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
God rewards good works
Jeremiah - 32:19 Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:
People are cursed for being deceitful and doing evil works - Key Verse -
Jeremiah 48:10 - Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.
God rewards or cuts off people according to their works, and there is no escape from this
Jeremiah 50:29 - Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the Lord, against the holy one of Israel.
God rewards or cuts off people according to their works - Key Verse -
Jeremiah 25:14 - For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands.
God rewards or cuts off people according to their works
Lamentations 3:64 - Render unto them a recompence, O Lord, according to the work of their hands.
God recompenses based on works - Key Verse -
Ezekiel 11:19-21
[19] And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh;
[20] That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them; and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.
[21] But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their destestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord God.
Commentary: God is talking about the House of Israel which is under His covenant and already believers. He states that he recompenses (judges) based on doing and following His statutes (or not).
God does not forget our works
Amos 8:7 The Lord hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.
God rewards or cuts off people according to their works - Key Verse -
Jonah 3:10 - And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
New Testament
We are told to do good works
Matthew 5:15-16
[15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Doctrine stated by Jesus includes the requirement to do works - Key Verse -
Matthew 7:22-28
[22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
[23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
[24] Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
[25] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
[26] And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
[27] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
[28] And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
Only the people that do works are included in Jesus' family
Matthew 12:50 (Inspired Version 12:44) - For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Jesus will reward people based on their works - Key Verse -
Matthew 16:27 - For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
We are commanded to do good works
Matthew 22:37-39
[37] Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
[38] This is the first and great commandment.
[39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Commentary: Love (and charity) requires works. There is no way to show love (or charity) except by works (Love worketh no ill to his neighbour, Romans 13:8-10).
Jesus said that evil works lead to hell - Key Verse -
Matthew 23:1-3, 33
[1] Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
[2] Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
[3] All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
[33] Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
Works of unselfishness are required to enter into everlasting life - Key Verse -
Matthew 25:31-46
[31] When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
[32] And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
[33] And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
[34] Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
[35] For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
[36] Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
[37] Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
[38] When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
[39] Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
[40] And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
[41] Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
[42] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
[43] I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
[44] Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
[45] Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
[46] And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Commentary: Jesus taught that in order to have an inheritance to the Kingdom of Heaven and everlasting life, you must do works of unselfishness (e.g. feed the hungry, give the thirsty a drink, house a stranger, cloth the naked, visit the sick, and go to those in prison) - which is consistent with the second great commandment (Matthew 22:39 - And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.). A primary part of righteousness is unselfishness - these verses are entirely consistent with the other verses listed in this topic that state that we will be rewarded according to our righteousness (which require works to abide His commandments). Jesus also states that those that do not do works will have everlasting punishment.
Even Jesus said he had to do works
John 4:34 - Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
Jesus said it was God's will that he had to do works
John 6:38 - For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
Jesus had to do works - Key Verse -
John 9:4 - I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Commentary: If Jesus had to do works and was a perfect example for us, then we must also do works.
Being saved involves accepting Jesus and going through his door - Key Verse -
John 10:7-10
[7] Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
[8] All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
[9] I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
[10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Commentary: The only references to being saved in the Bible are in regards to entering through the door (being baptized). Works outside the door have no importance. People must enter the door to be saved. Once through the door, works are required because God commands them and they are used in judgment.
Jesus says works bear witness of the person. If you do not believe Jesus, you are not part of his flock - Key Verse -
John 10:25-26
[25] Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
[26] But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
Jesus said that his proof to people were his works - Key Verse -
John 10:37-38
[37] If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
[38] But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
Jesus commanded people to do works - Key Verse -
John 14:11-12
[11] Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
[12] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
Works are required for repentance
Acts 26:20 - But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Commentary: Baptism in Jesus is a baptism of repentance. To repent requires works (to correct the impact that our sin had on other people). Without works, we cannot repent of our sins.
Every person will be judged by their works that show the law written on their hearts - Key Verse -
Romans 2:6-16
[6] Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
[7] To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
[8] But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
[9] Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
[10] But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
[11] For there is no respect of persons with God.
[12] For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
[13] (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
[14] For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
[15] Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
[16] In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Once saved, we are heirs (to eternal life)
Romans 8:16-17
[16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
[17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Grace is offered by God and cannot be earned by works - Key Verse -
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
From James Coffman’s commentary, "Further, the glaring fact that Paul had just shown that the righteous remnant, both in Elijah's day and presently, had obeyed God, the former by not bowing to Baal, the latter by obeying the gospel, and the equally glaring fact and even notorious fact of the fleshly Israel's thinking that salvation could be "earned" through the devices they followed, coupled with Paul's passion to show that salvation was never, either then, nor previously, nor now, nor ever, something people could earn or merit - all this prompted Paul here to pause and stress again the great doctrine of grace."
From R. L. Whiteside, "There is no grace when a man merits salvation. Works by which a man merits justification and commands which one must obey to be saved are distinct matters. It is unfortunate that many cannot, or will not, see this distinction. Because of this, they conclude that a sinner must do nothing in order to be saved; but a man has no real understanding of either works or grace if he thinks that a sinner's complying with the terms of salvation causes him to merit it. Many things are of grace, and are yet conditional. Is anyone so simple as to think that Naaman's healing from leprosy was any less a matter of grace because he had to dip seven times in the Jordan river? Is any so blind that he cannot see that Jesus' giving sight to the man born blind was any less of grace because he was required to wash in the pool of Siloam?"
Commentary, "Even though grace is available not through works, one cannot partake of it without doing the works that are commanded."
People will be judged by their works. Good works will survive the fire - Key Verse -
1 Corinthians 3:13-17
[11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
[12] Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
[13] Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
[14] If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
[15] If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
[16] Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
[17] If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
The children of Christ are heirs to the promise (of everlasting life) - Key Verse -
Galatians 3:24-29
[24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
[25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
[26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
[27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
[28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
[29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Lists examples of works that will prevent people from inheriting the kingdom of God
Galatians 5:19-21
[19] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
[20] Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
[21] Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Grace (the offering of His son Jesus) is a gift of God. God ordains that we perform good works - Key Verse -
Ephesians 2:8-10
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; but it is the gift of God;
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Commentary: Verses 8 and 9 are used to justify that only grace is required to be saved, however, verse 10 contradicts this interpretation since it states that God has ordained that we must do good works (walk in the same good works performed by Jesus). This is confirmed by James 2:24 which states "by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."
Commentary from Burton Coffman: If salvation is by grace alone, it cannot, at the same time be of faith; and if it is of faith alone, it cannot, at the same time, be of grace also...If then, salvation is by grace only, all people are already saved; for God's grace has appeared to all. Christ himself, however, taught that all people will not be saved; and the only intelligent reconciliation of those twin facts lies in accepting the premise of human salvation's being conditional.
Your heart drives both will (faith) and actions (works from the heart)
Philippians 2:13 - For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Judg ment will be based on works
1 Timothy 5:24-25
[24] Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
[25] Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
Good works lead to eternal life
1 Timothy 6:18-19
[18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
[19] Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Works prove belief or unbelief in God - Key Verse -
Titus 1:16 - They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Commentary: This verse directly refutes the idea that making a statement, such as "I believe in Jesus Christ" (as promoted by some Christian denominations) is sufficient for salvation. Paul, himself, states here that "faith only" is insufficient for salvation. This verse is consistent with Luke 6:45-49.
Luke 6:45-49 [45] A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. [46] And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? [47] Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: [48] He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. [49] But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
The word for "reprobate" <adokimos>, Strongs 96, means "unapproved" or "not standing the test". It is also used in the context of testing coins for genuineness. In this verse, it means the works of these people have failed to meet the requirements set forth by God's Word.
Baptism only makes you heir to eternal life, "be careful to maintain good works." - Key Verse -
Titus 3:4-8
[4] But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
[5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
[6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
[7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
[8] This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Commentary: The kindness and love of God is grace "which he shed on us through Jesus Christ" and "not by works of righteousness." This is consistent with Jesus being the door (John 10:9). The door (strait gate) is provided by the grace of God's kinfness and love. Because of this grace, we can become heirs (not automatic eternal life, but heirs to eternal life). And, verse 8 confirms the need to perform good works (to stay on the narrow way - Mat 7:23 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.).
We must do works and not just hear the Word of God
James 1:21-25
[21] Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
[22] But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
[23] For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
[24] For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
[25] But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
We are heirs of the kingdom when we have faith
James 2:5 - Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
We are heirs of the kingdom when we have faith
James 2:5 - Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Faith can only be proved by works - Key Verse -
James 2:17-26
[17] Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
[18] Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
[19] Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
[20] But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
[21] Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
[22] Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
[23] And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
[24] Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
[25] Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
[26] For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Not doing works is a sin - Key Verse -
James 4:17 - Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
By no other criteria (without respect of persons), men are judged by their works - Key Verse -
1 Peter 1:17 - And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear;
The commandment to do works was made at the beginning. It has always been a commandment - Key Verse -
1 John 2:6-7
[6] He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
[7] Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.
This is a clear statement that doing works allows people to live forever (in Heaven) - Key Verse -
1 John 2:17 - And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Doing works is righteousness
1 John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
People that do works are of God. If you do not do works, you are not of God.
3 John 1:11 - Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
Repent and do works or we will have the light of the Gospel removed from us.
Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
We will be judged according to our works
Revelation 2:23 - And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
If you do good works, God will protect you - Key Verse -
Revelation 3:8-10
[8] I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
[9] Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
[10] Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Commentary: Here again is the reference to Jesus being the door (John 10:8).
Doing no works (being lukewarm) is worse than doing something - Key Verse -
Revelation 3:15-16
[15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
[16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Everyone will be judged by their works - Key Verse -
Revelation 20:12-13
[12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
[13] And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Book of Mormon
People that work wickedness will be cast into hell - Key Verse -
1 Nephi 3:207-209
[207] Yea, that great pit which hath been digged for the destruction of men, shall be filled by those who digged it, unto their utter destruction, saith the Lamb of God;
[208] Not the destruction of the soul, save it be the casting of it into that hell which hath no end;
[209] For behold, this is according to the captivity of the devil, and also according to the justice of God, upon all those who will work wickedness and abomination before him.
Jesus is our perfect example and our chance of eternal life is by his works
1 Nephi 3:214-216
[214] For the time cometh, saith the Lamb of God, that I will work a great and a marvelous work among the children of men;
[215] A work which shall be everlasting, either on the one hand or on the other;
[216] Either to the convincing of them unto peace and life eternal, or unto the deliverance of them to the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds, unto their being brought down into captivity and also unto destruction, both temporally and spiritually, according to the captivity of the devil, of which I have spoken.
We will be judged according to our works - Key Verse -
1 Nephi 4:51-54
[51] And it came to pass that I said unto them, that it was a representation of things both temporal and spiritual;
[52] For the day should come that they must be judged of their works, yea, even the works which were done by the temporal body in their days of probation;
[53] Wherefore, if they should die in their wickedness, they must be cast off also, as to the things which are spiritual, which are pertaining to righteousness;
[54] Wherefore, they must be brought to stand before God to be judged of their works:
Moses had to do a great work
1 Nephi 5:104-107
[104] Yea, do ye suppose that they would have been led out of bondage, if the Lord had not commanded Moses that he should lead them out of bondage?
[105] Now ye know that the children of Israel were in bondage; and ye know that they were laden with tasks, which were grievous to be borne;
[106] Wherefore, ye know that it must needs be a good thing for them, that they should be brought out of bondage.
[107] Now ye know that Moses was commanded of the Lord to do that great work;
Jesus was commanded by God to do works - Key Verse -
2 Nephi 2:11-14
[11] Yea, Joseph truly said, Thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins.
[12] And unto him will I give commandment, that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers.
[13] And I will give unto him a commandment, that he shall do none other work save the work which I shall command him.
[14] And I will make him great in mine eyes: for he shall do my work.
People will be judged by their works
2 Nephi 6:88 - Wherefore, ye shall know at the last day, when all men shall be judged of their works, that the God of Israel did witness that I shook your iniquities from my soul, and that I stand with brightness before him, and am rid of your blood.
God destroys evil works
2 Nephi 7:21-22
[21] For I the Lord, the King of heaven, will be their king; and I will be a light upon them forever, that hear my words.
[22] Wherefore, for this cause, that my covenants may be fulfilled, which I have made unto the children of men, that I will do unto them while they are in the flesh, I must needs destroy the secret works of darkness, and of murders, and of abominations;
Commentary: If works were not important for salvation, why would God need to destroy works that didn't meet His covenants?
People that do evil works go to hell - Key Verse -
2 Nephi 11:76 - For because they yield unto the devil, and choose works of darkness rather than light; therefore they must go down to hell, for the Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man.
God never changes. He knows everyone that performs evil works and the people that say they know Him but really do not - Key Verse -
2 Nephi 11:145-151
[145] For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will shew unto the world that I am the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever; and I work not among the children of men, save it be according to their faith.
[146] And again it shall come to pass, that the Lord shall say unto him that shall read the words that shall be delivered him, Forasmuch as this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their hearts far from me, and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men, therefore, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people;
[147] Yea, a marvelous work, and a wonder, for the wisdom of their wise and learned shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent shall be hid.
[148] And wo unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord.
[149] And their works are in the dark; and they say, who seeth us; and who knoweth us?
[150] And they also say, Surely, your turning of things upside down, shall be esteemed as the potter's clay.
[151] But behold, I will shew unto them, saith the Lord of hosts, that I know all their works.
People that do evil will be judged by God and sent to hell
2 Nephi 12:26-29
[26] And thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.
[27] And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them, I am no devil, for there is none:
[28] And thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance.
[29] Yea, they are grasped with death and hell; and death, and hell, and the devil, and all that have been seized therewith, must stand before the throne of God and be judged according to their works, from whence they must go into the place prepared for them, even a lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment.
The scriptures describe the works we must do and the works whereupon we will be judged - Key Verse -
2 Nephi 12:65-66
[65] For I command all men, both in the east, and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them:
[66] For out of the books which shall be written, I will judge the world, every man according to his works, according to that which is written.
Evil works cannot be hid from God
2 Nephi 12:88, 97-98
[88] And with righteousness shall the Lord God judge the poor, and reprove with equity, for the meek of the earth.
[97] There is nothing which is secret, save it shall be revealed; there is no work of darkness, save it shall be made manifest in the light; and there is nothing which is sealed upon the earth, save it shall be loosed.
[98] Wherefore, all things which have been revealed unto the children of men, shall at that day be revealed;
Every person will be judged according to their works. People that perform evil works will shrink before God and put themselves in the lake of fire - Key Verse -
Mosiah 1:124-130
[124] And now, I have spoken the words which the Lord God hath commanded me.
[125] And thus saith the Lord: They shall stand as a bright testimony against this people, at the judgment day;
[126] Whereof, they shall be judged, every man, according to his works, whether they be good, or whether they be evil;
[127] And if they be evil, they are consigned to an awful view of their own guilt and abominations, which doth cause them to shrink from the presence of the Lord, into a state of misery and endless torment, from whence they can no more return: therefore, they have drunk damnation to their own souls.
[128] Therefore, they have drunk out of the cup of the wrath of God, which justice could no more deny unto them than it could deny that Adam should fall, because of his partaking of the forbidden fruit; therefore, mercy could have claim on them no more for ever.
[129] And their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames are unquenchable, and whose smoke ascendeth up for ever and ever.
[130] Thus hath the Lord commanded me. Amen.
Good works are required to remain an heir to eternal life - Key Verse -
Mosiah 3:21 - Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him, who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.
Everyone will be judged by their works and receive eternal life or eternal damnation
Mosiah 8:83-84
[83] Even this mortal shall put on immortality, and this corruption shall put on incorruption, and shall be brought to stand before the bar of God, to be judged of him according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.
[84] If they be good, to the resurrection of endless life and happiness, and if they be evil, to the resurrection of endless damnation;
Everyone will receive their reward of receive eternal life or eternal damnation by their works
Alma 1:128-129
[128] That they might reap their rewards according to their works, whether they were good or whether they were bad, to reap eternal happiness or eternal misery, according to the spirit which they listed to obey, whether it be a good spirit or a bad one;
[129] For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey, and this according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore let it be according to the truth.
How do you want to meet God - having done good works, lying about doing good works, or with the guilt of doing evil works? - Key Verse -
Alma 3:30-39
[30] Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you?
[31] Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption, to stand before God, to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?
[32] I say unto you, Can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day, Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?
[33] Or do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say, Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth, and that he will save you?
[34] Or otherwise, can ye imagine yourselves brought before the tribunal of God, with your souls filled with guilt and remorse; having a remembrance of all your guilt;
[35] Yea, a perfect remembrance of all your wickedness; yea, a remembrance that ye have set at defiance the commandments of God?
[36] I say unto you, Can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands?
[37] I say unto you, Can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances?
[38] I say unto you, Can ye think of being saved when you have yielded yourselves to become subjects to the devil?
[39] I say unto you, Ye will know at that day, that ye can not be saved: for there can no man be saved except his garments are washed white:
People that do good works hear Jesus and the people that do evil are children of the devil
Alma 3:57-60, 68-70
[57] Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men; for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith, Repent, and I will receive you;
[58] Yea, he saith, Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely;
[59] Yea, come unto me and bring forth works of righteousness, and ye shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire;
[60] For behold, the time is at hand that whosoever bringeth forth not good fruit, or whosoever doeth not the works of righteousness, the same have cause to wail and mourn.
[68] Therefore, if a man bringeth forth good works, he hearkeneth unto the voice of the good shepherd; and he doth follow him;
[69] But whosoever bringeth forth evil works, the same becometh a child of the devil; for he hearkeneth unto his voice, and doth follow him.
[70] And whosoever doeth this must receive his wages of him; therefore, for his wages he receiveth death, as to things pertaining unto righteousness, being dead unto all good works.
People that do good works will receive salvation and the people that do evil will receive damnation - Key Verse -
Alma 7:41-44
[41] And behold, he cometh to redeem those who will be baptized unto repentance, through faith on his name;
[42] Therefore prepare ye the way of the Lord, for the time is at hand that all men shall reap a reward of their works, according to that which they have been:
[43] If they have been righteous, they shall reap the salvation of their souls, according to the power and deliverance of Jesus Christ;
[44] And if they have been evil, they shall reap the damnation of their souls, according to the power and captivation of the devil.
People will be judged by their works
Alma 8:98 - For behold, the day cometh that all shall rise from the dead and stand before God, and be judged according to their works.
People will be judged by their works
Alma 8:104 - And shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.
People that do good works (and have faith and pray) will receive knowledge and understanding of God's Word.
Alma 14:103-104
[103] Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing: unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed;
[104] Yea, and it shall be given unto such, to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance.
People that are good go to Paradise and those that are evil are cast into outer darkness - Key Verse -
Alma 19:42-46
[42] Now concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection.
[43] Behold, it has been made known unto me, by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body; yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken taken home to that God who gave them life.
[44] And then shall it come to pass that the spirits of those who are righteous, are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise; a state of rest; a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles, and from all care, and sorrow, etc.
[45] And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil; for behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord: for behold they choose evil works, rather than good: therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house;
[46] And these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing and gnashing of teeth; and this because of their own iniquity; being led captive by the will of the devil.
People that do evil cannot enter into the kingdom - Key Verse -
Alma 19:60-61
[60] But behold, an awful death cometh upon the wicked; for they die as to things pertaining to things of righteousness; for they are unclean, and no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of God;
[61] But they are cast out, and consigned to partake of the fruits of their labors or their works, which have been evil; and they drink the dregs of a bitter cup.
People are rewarded according to their works - good for good and evil for evil - Key Verse -
Alma 19:66-69
[66] And it is requisite with the justice of God, that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good;
[67] And if their works are evil, they shall be restored unto him for evil: therefore, all things shall be restored to their proper order; everything to its natural frame; mortality raised to immortality; corruption to incorruption; raised to endless happiness, to inherit the kingdom of God, or to endless misery, to inherit the kingdom of the devil;
[68] The one on the one hand, the other on the other; the one raised to happiness, according to his desires of happiness; or good, according to his desires of good; and the other to evil, according to his desires of evil; for as he has desired to do evil all the day long, even so shall he have his reward of evil, when the night cometh.
[69] And so it is on the other hand. If he hath repented of his sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days, even so shall he be rewarded unto righteousness.
Every law has punishment and the law is followed or violated according to our works - Key Verse -
Alma 19:99-106
[99] Now, how could a man repent, except he should sin? How could he sin, if there was no law? How could there be a law, save there was a punishment?
[100] Now there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man.
[101] Now if there was no law given, if a man murdered he should die, would he be afraid he should die if he should murder?
[102] And also, if there was no law given against sin, men would not be afraid to sin.
[103] And if there was no law given if men sinned, what could justice do, or mercy either: for they would have no claim upon the creature.
[104] But there is a law given and a punishment affixed, and repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth: otherwise, justice claimeth the creature, and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God.
[105] But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead: and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God;
[106] And thus they are restored into his presence; to be judged according to their works; according to the law and justice; for behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.
People will be judged by their works
3 Nephi 11:30-33
[30] And he did expound all things, even from the beginning until the time that he should come in his glory;
[31] Yea, even all things which should come upon the face of the earth, even until the elements should melt with fervent heat, and the earth should be wrapped together as a scroll, and the heavens and the earth should pass away;
[32] And even unto the great and last day, when all people, and all kindreds, and all nations and tongues shall stand before God, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil;
[33] If they be good, to the resurrection of everlasting life; and if they be evil, to the resurrection of damnation, being on a parallel, the one on the one hand, and the other on the other hand, according to the mercy, and the justice, and the holiness which is in Christ, who was before the world began.
The church that follows the gospel will receive the works of God. The works of men are not of the church and those people will be hewn down because of their works - Key Verse -
3 Nephi 12:22-29
[22] And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel, then will the Father shew forth his own works in it;
[23] But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you, They have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return;
[24] For their works do follow them, for it is because of their works that they are hewn down; therefore remember the things that I have told you.
[25] Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you, that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me;
[26] And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, I might draw all men unto me:
[27] That as I have been lifted up by men, even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil;
[28] And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father, I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works.
[29] And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name, shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father, at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.
Works are written in books and people will be judged by the works written in the books
3 Nephi 13:1-3
[1] Write the things which ye have seen and heard, save it be those which are forbidden; write the works of this people, which shall be even as hath been written of that which hath been;
[2] For behold, out of the books which have been written, and which shall be written, shall this people be judged, for by them shall their works be known unto men.
[3] And behold, all things are written by the Father; therefore out of the books which shall be written, shall the world be judged.
Everyone is responsible for their own works - Key Verse -
3 Nephi 13:10 - And in that day will I visit them, even in turning their works upon their own heads.
Everyone will be judged by their works - Key Verse -
Mormon 1:83-87
[83] Yea, behold, I write unto all the ends of the earth; yea, unto you, twelve tribes of Israel, who shall be judged according to your works, by the twelve whom Jesus chose to be his disciples in the land of Jerusalem.
[84] And I write also unto the remnant of this people, who shall also be judged by the twelve whom Jesus chose in this land; and they shall be judged by the other twelve whom Jesus chose in the land of Jerusalem.
[85] And these things does the Spirit manifest unto me; therefore I write unto you all.
[86] And for this cause I write unto you, that ye may know that ye must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ; yea, every soul who belongs to the whole human family of Adam;
[87] And ye must stand to be judged of your works, whether they be good or evil; and also that ye may believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, which ye shall have among you;
Blessed are the people that perform righteous works
Mormon 3:22 - And then ye must stand before the judgment seat of Christ, to be judged according to your works; and if it so be that ye are righteous, then are ye blessed with your fathers who have gone before you.
People are accountable for their own works
Mormon 4:24 - For behold, the same that judgeth rashly, shall be judged rashly again; for according to his works shall his wages be; therefore, he that smiteth, shall be smitten again of the Lord.
People are known by their works, good people by their good works and evil people by their evil works
Mormon 7:4-7
[4] And now my brethren, I judge these things of you because of your peaceable walk with the children of men; for I remember the word of God, which saith, By their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also.
[5] For behold, God hath said, A man being evil, can not do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent, it profiteth him nothing.
[6] For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness.
[7] For behold, if a man being evil, giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God.
Key Differences Between Evangelicals and Anabaptists: Moving from Bible interpretation, another root difference between Anabaptists and Evangelical Protestants is their view of salvation. Anabaptists emphasize that salvation is by grace through faith that works (notice it's not faith plus works.). They believe that at conversion God purges a person's past sins by Christ's blood and changes that person at his very core, freeing him from the enslavement of sin and enabling him actually to live a righteous life. God declares the sinner righteous because of Christ's work on the cross and his present work in the heart of the believer enabling him to live righteously in reality. Right living is therefore crucial evidence that an individual has repented, believed, and yielded to Christ.
Commentary: The portrayal of works as a result of faith (i.e. "Ye shall know them by their fruits") and that works cannot be separated from true faith is consistent with the scriptures.
Anglican -
Assyrian Church -
Church of Christ -
Church of Jesus Christ (Restoration Branches) -
RLDS Doctrine and Covenants:
Section 6:5e - If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God; for there is no gift greater than the gift of salvation.
Section 7:2b-c - [b] I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire, but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater work yet among men, than what he has before done; yea, he has undertaken a greater work; [c] therefore, I will make him as flaming fire, and a ministering angel; he shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth;
Section 17:6b-d - [b] And we know that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is just and true; [c] and we know, also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength; [d] but there is a possibility that man may fall from grace and depart from the living God.
Section 18:1a-c - [a] I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; yea, even I am He, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world: [b] I having accomplished and finished the will of him whose I am, even the Father, concerning me; having done this, that I might subdue all things unto myself; [c] retaining all power, even to the destroying of Satan and his works at the end of the world, and the last great day of judgment, which I shall pass upon the inhabitants thereof, judging every man according to his works, and the deeds which
Section 20:1a-d - [a] Behold, I say unto you, that all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing, and this is a new and everlasting covenant; even that which was from the beginning. [b] Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times, it availeth him nothing; for you can not enter in at the strait gate by the Law of Moses, neither by your dead works; [c] for it is because of your dead works, that I have caused this last covenant, and this church to be built up unto me; even as in days of old. [d] Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen.
Section 90:1a - Verily, thus saith the Lord, It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face, and know that I am, and that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world;
Commentary: The concepts of the dead works of the Mosaic Law, sanctification through the grace of Jesus Christ, becoming heirs of salvation (not automatic salvation), and judgment according to works covers both grace and works and is consistent with the scriptures.
(Utah) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -
Grace: Because of personal choices, everyone also experiences the effects of sin (see 1 John 1:8-10; Mosiah 16:4). These effects are called spiritual death. No one can return to the presence of God without divine grace. Through the Atonement, we all can be forgiven of our sins; we can become clean before God. To receive this enabling power, we must obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, which includes having faith in Him, repenting of our sins, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and trying to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ for the rest of our lives (see Ephesians 2:8-9; James 2:17-22; 2 Nephi 25:23; 31:20).
Salvation: In the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the terms "saved" and "salvation" have various meanings. As used in Romans 10:9-10, the words "saved" and "salvation" signify a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ. Through this covenant relationship, followers of Christ are assured salvation from the eternal consequences of sin if they are obedient...Eternal Life, or Exaltation. In the scriptures, the words saved and salvation often refer to eternal life, or exaltation (see Abraham 2:11). Eternal life is to know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and dwell with Them forever—to inherit a place in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom (see John 17:3; D&C 131:1-4; 132:21-24). This exaltation requires that men receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, and that all Church members make and keep sacred covenants in the temple, including the covenant of eternal marriage.
Salvation: By Grace or by Works?: "So it is easy to understand that we must accept the mission of Jesus Christ. We must believe that it is through his grace that we are saved, that he performed for us that labor which we were unable to perform for ourselves, and did for us those things which were essential to our salvation, which were beyond our power; and also that we are under the commandment and the necessity of performing the labors that are required of us as set forth in the commandments known as the gospel of Jesus Christ." (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954–56, 2:310–11.)
Commentary: The concepts of grace and works are consistent with the scriptures. However, the additional criteria that all men must receive the Melchizedek priesthood to receive of the fullness of salvation is not consistent with the scriptures that the LDS uses. For example, Mosiah 18:18 states, "And it came to pass that Alma, having authority from God, ordained priests; even one priest to every fifty of their number did he ordain to preach unto them, and to teach them concerning the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." The LDS practice is to not ordain men to the Melchizedek priesthood before their 18th birthday. This leaves all men between the ages of 8 (when they are baptized) and 18 as not being able to partake of the fullness of salvation. The Book of Mormon makes it clear that not all men will have priesthood since one priest would minister to 50 (non-priesthood) people, leaving the 50 people as not able to partake of the highest degree of salvation.
Community of Christ -
Eastern Orthodox -
Islam -
Jehovah's Witnesses -
Judaism -
Community of Christ -
Community of Christ -
Pentecostal -
Doctrinal views: The UPCI holds that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works. Faith in Jesus is the means by which a person is justified. At the same time, a sinner must believe the gospel; he is commanded to repent of his sinful life, to be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ, and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 4:12; 8:12-17; 10:43-48; 19:1-6). Thus the various aspects of faith and obedience work together in God's grace to reconcile us to God.
Commentary: While acknowledging that salvation can only come through the grace of Jesus Christ is consistent with the scriptures, the statement of "not by works" is not consistent with the scriptures regarding the final judgment.
Presbyterian -
Roman Catholic -
Seventh-Day Adventist Church -
Southern Baptist Convention -
Resolution On The True Christian Gospel, June 1998: WHEREAS, The Word of God, the Bible, is the complete, trustworthy, and inerrant written record of God’s revelation of Himself to man (John 16:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21); and
WHEREAS, True Christians throughout the ages have affirmed the exclusivity, sufficiency, and finality of the Gospel; and
WHEREAS, Southern Baptists have expressed their theological convictions in the Baptist Faith and Message; and
WHEREAS, The Bible reveals God as the only true, eternal Creator and self-sufficient, self-existent Sovereign of the universe, one God in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 43:10-11; 44:6-8); and
WHEREAS, Jesus Christ is the unique and eternal Son of God, the incarnate Word, who was with God and was God, and was supernaturally conceived of the Holy Spirit, without sexual relations, born of the virgin Mary (John 1:1-18; Isaiah 7:14-16; 9:6-7; Matthew 1:18-21); and
WHEREAS, There have been and will be many false and counterfeit Christs (Matthew 24:24; 2 Corinthians 11:4); and
WHEREAS, The Holy Spirit of God is the third person of the Trinity and is co-equal, co-eternal and of one substance with the Father and the Son (Genesis 1:2; John 4:24; 14:16-17,26; 15:26; 16:13-15); and
WHEREAS, Salvation is on the basis of Jesus Christ’s complete and total atonement for sin on the cross, and is the sole way to God (John 1:29; 3:16-21; 12:44-50; 14:1-6; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21); and
WHEREAS, Jesus Christ was raised bodily on the third day victorious over sin, death, and the grave (Matthew 28L1-20; Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:1-53; John 20:1-31; 1 Corinthians 15:1-58); and
WHEREAS, Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone (John 1:12-14; John 3:16; Romans 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-6); and
WHEREAS, All human works, merits, and forms of righteousness are as filthy rags in God’s sight (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:23-28); and
WHEREAS, All Christians are called to give a reason for the hope that is within them, to defend the faith once for all delivered to the saints, and to proclaim its truth to all people everywhere (1 Peter 3:15); Acts 2:42; Philippians 1:17; Matthew 28:18-20).
Therefore, be it RESOLVED, That we, the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting June 9-11, 1998, in Salt Lake City, Utah, affirm the finality, sufficiency, and exclusivity of the Christian Gospel and of biblical revelation as the sole source of saving truth, “For there is no other name under heaven given among man by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Commentary: While acknowledging that salvation can only come through the grace (i.e. door) of Jesus Christ is consistent with the scriptures, the statement of "not by works" is not consistent with the scriptures regarding the final judgment.
- No Found or Stated Position
- Consistent with Scripture
- Partially Consistent with Scripture
- Inconsistent with Scripture