GRACE, FAITH AND WORKS
by Elliott Nesch
Many professing Christians believe that once they are saved, it doesn't matter what they do, but as long as they just believe they will go to heaven. This study will show that salvation begins and ends with God's grace, but that true faith manifests itself with works. Just as a tree produces fruit, so true faith naturally produces works the glorify God.
The focal Scripture of this study will be Ephesians 2:8,9:
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.
Thus, salvation is by God's grace through our faith. This passage also tells us we cannot expect to be saved without faith. Therefore, faith is necessary to our salvation following God's initial grace. However, what many professing Christians call faith or what the world calls faith is contrary to biblical faith. True biblical faith is defined by our works. As the Scriptures will show, works are related to our salvation as well.
But it all begins with God's grace, thus it is by grace you are saved (Eph. 2:8,9). Grace is the beginning. Without grace, faith is impossible. Without grace and faith, works cannot be achieved.
The Grace of God
Grace can be defined as God's perfect love, mercy and favor shown toward wretched sinners whose merit is worthy of eternal judgment.
Strong's Concordance defines "grace" as "goodwill, loving-kindness, favour of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting His holy influence on souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues."
Unger's Bible Dictionary says God's grace "is to be distinguished from His mercy and love (Ephesians 2:4,5). . . . Mercy is therefore the compassion of God which moved Him to provide a Saviour for the unsaved. Had God been able to save even one soul on the ground of His sovereign mercy alone, He could have saved every person on that basis . . . . and the death of Christ would not have been a necessity. Divine love on the other hand is the motivating plan behind all that God does in saving a soul. But since God is holy and righteous and sin is a complete offense unto Him, His love or His mercy cannot operate in grace until there was provided a sufficient satisfaction for sin. This satisfaction makes possible the exercise of God's grace. Grace thus rules out all human merit. It requires only faith in the Savior" (italics mine).
1 John 4:16,19
[16] And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
[19] We love him, because he first loved us.
I echo what Paul said of God's grace:
1 Timothy 1:12-16
[12] And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
[13] Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
[14] And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
[15] This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
[16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
God's grace has been manifested in these last days through sending His Son Jesus to bear our sins on the cross while we were yet sinners:
Romans 5:8
[8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
God's grace is also manifested in Him sending His servants to preach the Gospel:
Ephesians 3:8
[8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
It was only by God's grace that the Apostle Paul and the disciples were converted and labored for the Gospel as Paul wrote:
1 Corinthians 15:10
[10] But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Acts 18:27
[27] And when he [Apollos] was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
Thus, it is only by God's grace we can even believe in Jesus: "helped them which had believed through grace (v. 27)." Furthermore, it is by His grace that we are called:
Galatians 1:15
[15] But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
Acts 20:32
[32] And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
It is only by God's grace that we can have eyes to see our sins and receive conviction in our hearts. This godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Titus 2:11,12
[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
[12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
It is only by God's grace we are saved through faith:
Ephesians 2:5,8,9
[5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
[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.
By grace are you saved through faith! From where does grace come?
John 1:17
[17] For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
It is only by God's grace that we have the forgiveness of sins:
Ephesians 1:7
[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Titus 3:7
[7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
It is only by God's grace that Jesus has died for us:
Hebrews 2:9
[9] But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Romans 4:16
[16] Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Romans 5:15
[15] But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Romans 5:20-21
[20] Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
[21] That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Bible says we can receive God's grace in vain:
2 Corinthians 6:1-10
[1] We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
[2] (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
God's grace is sufficient for us:
2 Corinthians 12:9
[9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Timothy 2:1
[1] Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
God's grace (which is sufficient) enables us to endure temptation:
James 1:12-14
[12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.
[13] Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
[14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Romans 3:24-26
[24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
[25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
[26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
[27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Only by God's grace may we have faith. Only by faith (given by God's provision of grace) may we be saved! God's grace received not in vain will produce in us genuine faith. Unger's states, "Rewards for faithfulness and practical holiness of life are to be dispersed, but this is a truth not to be confused with an unforfeitable and unmerited salvation."
The Faith of the Believer:
After receiving God's initial grace, we may have faith in God.
Romans 3:27,28
[27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
[28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
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.
"Faith" is defined by Strong's as:
1) conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it
a) relating to God
1) the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ
b) relating to Christ
1) a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God
c) the religious beliefs of Christians
d) belief with the predominate idea of trust (or confidence) whether in God or in Christ, springing from faith in the same
One brother simply defined faith as a positive response to God. Faith is a positive response to God.
We are instructed not to worry about clothing, food, drink, or tomorrow, but to trust by faith:
Matthew 6:27-34
[27] Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
[28] And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
[29] And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
[30] Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
[31] Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
[32] (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
[33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
[34] Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 9:21,22
[21] For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
[22] But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
Like this woman whose faith made her whole in a physical sense, in that Jesus healed her; our faith makes us whole in a spiritually by bringing us to God.
Matthew 17:20
[20] And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Jesus also tells us "with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)." We must remember this promise by faith.
John the Baptist referred to Yeshua as "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29)." The sins of the whole world was taken by Jesus on the cross, but only those who trust in Jesus for salvation through faith will receive that forgiveness like the man sick with palsy:
Mark 2:4-5
[4] And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
[5] When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
Jesus commands us to have faith in God:
Mark 11:22
[22] And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Luke 7:44-50
[44] And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
[45] Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
[46] My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
[47] Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
[48] And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
[49] And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
[50] And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
Thus, it is our faith in the person and work of Jesus that saves us (by receiving God's grace)!
Luke 18:41,42
[41] Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.
[42] And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
It is only by faith that God may purify our hearts:
Acts 15:8,9
[8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
[9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
The Scriptures declare that we are made righteous by our faith. Consider our father Abraham had a positive response faith toward God as recorded in the book of Genesis:
Genesis 15:2-6
[2] And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
[3] And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.
[4] And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.
[5] And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
[6] And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
The Bible brings out that it was Abraham's faith and belief in the promise of God, despite his great age, that God counted him righteous. Abraham had faith and a positive response to God in contrary circumstances. The Bible says of Abraham:
Romans 4:18-20
[18] Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
[19] And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:
[20] He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
The covenant of circumcision was given to Abraham after he was declared righteous (Genesis 17:10,11). But God didn't bestow the blessings upon Abraham because his foreskin was cut off, but because of faith being exhibited in difficult circumstances:
Romans 4:9-12
[9] Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
[10] How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
[11] And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
[12] And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
Thus, we are declared legally righteous before God and justified by our faith and trust in Him, responding positively to His promises, namely the work and person of Jesus Christ for salvation.
Romans 1:16,17
[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
[17] For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Romans 3:22
[22] Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Romans 4:5
[5] But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Romans 5:1
[1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Whatever is not done in faith is sin:
Romans 14:23
[23] And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Therefore, we must do all works by faith.
Hebrews 10:38
[38] Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
2 Corinthians 5:7
[7] (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
By faith, we are the children of God, children of the promise, children of Abraham.
Galatians 3:7,9,11,14,22-26
[7] Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
[9] So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
[11] But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
[14] That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
[22] But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
[23] But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
[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.
By faith, we withstand the persecution of the enemy. Faith is an important part of the armor of God. Without it, we cannot defend ourselves against principalities, powers and spiritual hosts of wickedness in high places (Eph. 3:10).
Think about a warrior pictured in Ephesians 6: a warrior may defend himself against every attack of the enemy with his shield. All the other armor (besides the sword) is back-up in case any arrows or blows from the enemy get past the shield. Ideally, (if the warrior is alert and paying attention) the shield can protect against all attacks of the enemy. This shield is our faith:
Ephesians 6:16
[16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
1 Thessalonians 4:8
[8] But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
Hebrews 11
[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
[2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.
[3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
[4] By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
[5] By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
[6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
[7] By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
[8] By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
[9] By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
[10] For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
[11] Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
[12] Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
[13] These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
[14] For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
[15] And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
[16] But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
[17] By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
[18] Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
[19] Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
[20] By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
[21] By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
[22] By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
[23] By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
[24] By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
[25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
[26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
[27] By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
[28] Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
[29] By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
[30] By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
[31] By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
[32] And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
[33] Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
[34] Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
[35] Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
[36] And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
[37] They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
[38] (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
[39] And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
[40] God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
True Faith Manifests Works
However, the Scriptures declare that faith without works is not faith at all. God's grace received not in vain will produce in us genuine faith. Genuine faith displays works. A person's works will tell whether their faith is in truth or, rather, just a profession of faith (dead faith).
Unger's Bible Dictionary defines "faith", the condition of salvation, as "not the procuring cause , but the condition, or instrumental cause. It is frequently associated in the Scriptures with repentance; and thus the conditions of salvation, as commonly stated in Protestant doctrine, are repentance and faith. But in reality true faith and true repentance are not separate or to be distinguished too rigidly from each other. Faith is fundamental. Repentance implies faith. Faith is not real saving faith unless it includes repentance" (italics mine).
James 2:14-26
[14] What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
[15] If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
[16] And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
[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.
God's grace toward us followed by our faith in Him will produce fruit of His Spirit or good works in our lives.
Matthew 5:16
[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
John 3:21
[21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Matthew 7:22-27
[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.
Obviously, Jesus will make a distinction between those the workers of iniquity and workers of righteousness. Both called Him Lord and believed, yet some were denied because they did not build upon the rock. They didn't do something that Yeshua commanded! Some have faith in Yeshua but by their works, they deny Him.
Titus 1:16
[16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Again, Jesus stresses works in the parable of the sheep and the goats:
Matthew 25:34-40
[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 hungred, 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.
We are commanded to do several specific works in the Scriptures such as feeding the hungry (v. 35), clothing the naked (v. 36), taking in strangers (v. 38), visiting those who are sick and in prison (v. 39), visiting the fatherless and widows (Jamess. 1:27), praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians. 5:17), preaching the word in and out of season (1 Timothy 4:2), repenting of our sins and being baptized (Acts 2:38), loving our enemies (Matt. 5:44), etc.
That said, it is important to note that charity, the greatest of spiritual gifts, is an action or a work:
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
[4] Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
[5] Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
[6] Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
[7] Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
[8] Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
[13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
1 Corinthians 16:14
[14] Let all your things be done with charity.
Colossians 3:14
[14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
1 Timothy 1:5
[5] Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
Matthew 16:27
[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.
Again, the Scriptures clearly state that salvation or reward is dependent upon a person's works.
Jesus also makes a distinction between the true and false children of Abraham:
John 8:39
[39] They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
Just as the righteous will be rewarded for their good works, the ungodly will be punished for their works of lawlessness:
2 Corinthians 11:14,15
[14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
[15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
2 Timothy 4:14
[14] Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
God's word tells us we were created to do good works. If we are not doing those works, then we are not doing what God created us to do:
Ephesians 2:10
[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
1 Timothy 2:9,10
[9] In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
[10] But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
The Word of God is our instruction for good works:
2 Timothy 3:16,17
[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
[17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Jesus warned the church of Ephesus in Revelation to do their first works or else He would remove their church.
Revelation 2:5
[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.
Again, true and genuine faith produces works (James 4). Jesus said, "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them (Matthew 7:16-20)."
The preceding parable speaks of works as fruit or something that can be found in nature. Again, Jesus speaks of fruit or works which come naturally (by nature) by abiding in Him. An apple tree does not have to strain and work hard to produce apples; this happens by nature. Likewise, those that abide in Jesus will, by nature, produce fruit of the Spirit and do good works:
John 15:4-8
[4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
[5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
[6] If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
[7] If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
[8] Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Therefore, by nature we will keep His commandments if we have true faith.
1 John 2:3-5
[3] And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
[4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
[5] But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
Keeping the commandments is works. Thus, we know that we know Jesus if we do His works and not our own. This new nature or supernatural nature birthed by the Spirit was prophesied in the Old Testament:
Ezekiel 36:26,27
[26] A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
[27] And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Jeremiah 31:31-33
[31] Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
[32] Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
[33] But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
The New Covenant which was prophesied has been given by God's grace through faith and allows us to work the works of righteousness which we cannot do by our own power. Only by His grace (by His Spirit) may we have power to do His works or righteousness and holiness:
Zechariah 4:6
[6] Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Indeed our righteousness are as filthy rags to God (Isaiah 64:6), but the book of Revelation declares that our works follow us forever.
Revelation 14:13
[13] And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
It is by our works we will be judged:
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.
John 5:28,29
[28] Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
[29] And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Romans 2:5-13
[5] But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
[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.
The Bible not only tells us what we must do, but also what we are not to do:
2 Timothy 2:19
[19] Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
1 John 3:6
[6] Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
Romans 6:13-14
[12] Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
[13] Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
[14] For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Yet, we are not justified by our works; we are justified by grace through faith in the works of another: Jesus Christ.
Romans 4:1-8
[1] What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
[2] For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
[3] For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
[4] Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
[5] But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
[6] Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
[7] Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
[8] Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
Today, many "Christians" claim that works do not pertain to their salvation. Then, they justify living lives like demons believing they are saved by their belief alone, but, according to the Bible, this is not true faith. Paul explains:
Romans 6:1-4
[1] What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
[2] God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
[3] Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
[4] Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Furthermore, the devils have faith and tremble (James 2:19). Therefore, true faith is faith with repentance. True faith (by God's grace) will display works. But the Scriptures clearly teach we are not saved by our works, but by grace through faith.
Romans 11:6
[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.
Galatians 2:21
[21] I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Galatians 5:3-4
[3] For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
[4] Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
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.
This is important to note. By grace we are saved through faith. It is only by God's grace that we may do good works. It is not possible for a fallen human being to do good apart from the grace of God and regeneration by the Spirit.
Jeremiah 10:23
[23] O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
Romans 3:10-12
[10] As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
[11] There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
[12] They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Paul spoke about his fallen state before being converted by God's grace:
Romans 7:14-21
[14] For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
[15] For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
[16] If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
[17] Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
[18] For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
[19] For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
[20] Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
[21] I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
Thus, it is by the grace of God we may begin to do the good works for which God created us. Salvation begins and ends with grace. And true faith, can be properly defined as submitting completely to the authority of Jesus Christ in repentance from sins and putting complete and exclusive trust in Him for salvation. "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (James 2:24).
Romans 3:27,28,31
[27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
[28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
[31] Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Not of Works, Lest Any Man Should Boast:
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.
I would like to stress again at this point that we are not saved by our works. True faith does produce good works but we are saved through faith, not of works, lest any man should boast.
Romans 3:21
[21] But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
The phrase here "without the law" is often taken out of context as "without good works" or "without obedience," which is not true. As stated earlier faith without works is dead. The meaning of Paul's words here is that in the Law and Prophets (the books of the Old Testament), men were declared righteous by faith without the Law of Moses and without being circumcised. Abraham was declared righteous without the law of Moses, being declared righteous by faith and inward circumcision, not outward circumcision.
Romans 2:29
[29] But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Romans 3:27-31; 4:1-3
[27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
[28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
[29] Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
[30] Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
[31] Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
[1] What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
[2] For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
[3] For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Philippians 3:4-9
[4] Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
[5] Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
[6] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
[7] But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
[8] Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
[9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Galatians 3:2-7
[2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
[3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
[4] Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
[5] He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
[6] Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
[7] Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Grace, Faith and Works
This brings us back to grace and faith. In order to do God's works, we must be recipients of His grace. It is only by divine intervention and work of Jesus that we may can obtain the holiness which God asks of us.
John 3:27
[27] John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
James 1:17
[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
It was only by God's grace that enabled the churches of Macedonia (and all assemblies in the church) to pray and give themselves to service in the midst of affliction and poverty. These works they did beyond what was humanly possible save the grace of God as we read in 2 Corinthians:
2 Corinthians 8:1-7
[1] Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
[2] How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
[3] For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
[4] Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
[5] And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
[6] Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
[7] Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
Only grace makes it possible to abound in good works:
2 Corinthians 9:8
[8] And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Romans 8:13
[13] For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
We must work with the grace God has provided through His Spirit to mortify the deeds of the flesh. He gives the grace and the Spirit, but we must make the choice! We must put forth the effort. If this were not the case (if we didn't have do put forth the effort), Jesus wouldn't tell us strive to enter in:
Luke 13:23,24
[23] Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
[24] Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
1 John 3:12
[12] Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
The only difference that made Cain's works unrighteous and his brother Abel's righteous was that Abel's works were by faith and Cain's were not by faith.
Hebrews 11:4
[4] By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
Remember, whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). Israel strived after the law of righteousness by works alone and not of faith:
Romans 9:31-33
[31] But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
[32] Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at the stumblingstone;
[33] As it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Faith is a work in itself:
John 6:29,30
[28] Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
[29] Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Perfect faith is faith accompanied by works. On the other hand, our works will not be perfect without faith. For example, consider Jesus' message to the church of Sardis:
Revelation 3:2
[2] Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Yeshua mentions that their works were not perfect before God (v. 2). Perhaps their works lacked charity, love or faith.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
[1] Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
[2] And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
[3] And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Galatians 5:6
[6] For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Hebrews 11:4
[4] By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
Now, we can begin to see the balance of grace, faith and works (beginning and ending with God's grace) is a means to an end: the salvation of our souls through the Person and work of Jesus Christ. All must work in agreement for the increase in a spiritual walk with Jesus.
Next, we will see examples in God's Word of how grace yields faith and works, how faith yields grace and works, and how works yields more grace and faith:
Grace yields faith:
Romans 1:5
[5] By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
Grace yields works:
Titus 2:11-14
[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
[12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
[13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
[14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Hebrews 12:28,29
[28] Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
[29] For our God is a consuming fire.
1 Peter 1:13-16
[13] Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
[14] As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
[15] But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
[16] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Faith yields grace:
Romans 5:2
[2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 4:16
[16] Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Faith yields works:
Romans 10:10
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Faith doesn't generate virtual righteousness, but real and active righteousness that involves doing what is right as John states, "he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous" (1 John 3:7).
Acts 6:8
[8] And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Galatians 5:6
[6] For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Hebrews 10:23-25
[23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
[24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
[25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
James 1:2,3
[2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
[3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
Works yields grace:
Genesis 6:8,9
[8] But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
[9] These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
Ephesians 4:29
[29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
James 4:6
[6] But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
2 Peter 3:17,18
[17] Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
[18] But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Hebrews 4:16
[16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Works yields faith:
Luke 17:5
[5] And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.
Romans 10:17
[17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Salvation
Thus, God's grace is a means to faith and good works; all of which is a means to an end: salvation!
Galatians 5:5
[5] For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
Colossians 2:12
[12] Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
2 Timothy 3:15
[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 12:2
[2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Romans 6:21,22
[21] What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
[22] But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
1 Peter 1:5,9
[5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
[9] Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
1 John 5:4
[4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
The End of Those Without Faith and Good Works Toward God:
But the end of the faithless transgressors that received God's grace in vain will be according to their works . . . to be burned because they did not receive the free gift of salvation given by the grace of God!
Deuteronomy 32:20
[20] And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.
2 Corinthians 11:15
[15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Philippians 3:17-19
[17] Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
[18] (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
[19] Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
Hebrews 6:8
[8] But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
1 Peter 4:17
[17] For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Hebrews 10:26-29
[26] For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
[27] But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
[28] He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
[29] Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Romans 9:31-33
[31] But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
[32] Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
[33] As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Jude 1:4
[4] For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 11:20,21
[20] Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
[21] For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
In Summary:
Repent from your sins and believe on the only one that can save you!
In the end, our salvation, our faith and works are God's works and to His glory. It is our privilege to be involved in His work of grace and salvation which He is doing on earth.
Philippians 1:6
[6] Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Ephesians 2:10
[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Apart from God's grace we may not be saved. Apart from God's grace, we may not have faith or works. Salvation begins and ends with God's grace. Only by divine intervention of God's grace is it possible to be saved from sin through faith and live a holy life.
Our receiving of His grace will produce faith. True and genuine faith will produce works. By works, faith is made perfect and works come from true faith. But only by God's grace may we do those works! Also, God's grace is sufficient.
By works we will be judged. The only way we may do good works is by faith in God, being recipients of His grace. The only way we can receive God's grace is by Yeshua, the Way, the Truth and the Life.
We may increase our faith by doing works such as asking of God for the increase and reading His word. According to our works and our faith, God will give us more grace. Thus, salvation is achieved by good working faith made available by God's grace. Without one or the other we will not be saved (primarily God's grace because faith and works are dependent on this and begin with this!)
In the end, our faith and works are all to His glory. It's only by His grace that we may have faith and do His works for His glory.
Therefore, humble yourself, draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts (James 4:8).