So often I hear many accuse good Christians of trying to save themselves by their works, but not realizing that works are required of us. Works are not what saves us but they are required before the Lord will grant his saving grace into the kingdom of heaven. Often the following verse is used to justify the pointing of the finger:
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 verse does teach that we are not saved by works, but it doesn't say that works are not required of us. If only they would include verse 10 with the quoted verse, it would make more sense.
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.
This verse tells us quite clearly that we are created unto good works and that God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Could it be any clearer? God expects us to do good works. One of the first works we should do and always be engaged in is the work of repentance. Jesus taught:
Matthew 4:17
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
If we don't repent, Jesus taught the following:
Luke 13:3,5
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
The repentance does not save us but it is required before the Lord will grant his grace upon us. This is the same with all the commandments of God. We are to strive and keep them and by so doing, the Lord will grant his grace upon us. Another commandment besides repentance is that we are to love one another.
John 15:10_12
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
If we look back at Ephesians 2;8 it tells us that we are saved by grace through faith. But to have a true faith one must have good works. The apostle James taught:
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.
This verse tells us that without works, our faith is dead. We must do good works to have a true faith. The works nor the faith are not what saves us, but they are required before the saving grace of Jesus Christ will come upon us. Jesus requires that we exercise a true faith before he will grant his grace upon us. So, does this mean that we are partially saved by our good works? NO! Without the saving grace of Jesus Christ, we could do all the works we could ever do and we would still be unprofitable servants.
Mosiah 2:21
21 I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants.
So even after all we can do, we are still saved by grace. Understanding this, read again Ephesians 2:8-10 and it will make much more sense than to tear down those who do good works:
Ephesians 2:8-10
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.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.