SALVATION BY WORKS OR BY FAITH?

Key Reading:

1. Who is God?

One of the most common errors in spiritual life is believing that we can earn heaven through our own actions. Many people think that if they do good things, help others, go to church, or follow certain rules, then God will accept them. But this thought, although it seems logical, is a very dangerous deception.

The Bible teaches that salvation is not obtained through human works, but by grace. It is a gift that God offers through Jesus Christ. We cannot buy it, deserve it, or earn it. If we could save ourselves by our good actions, then the death of Jesus on the cross would not have been necessary. But He died precisely because no one can save themselves.

Believing in salvation by works leads to two serious problems. The first is spiritual pride: thinking we are better than others because we “fulfil” more. The second is constant fear: feeling that we never do enough to please God. Both paths lead us away from the truth of the Gospel.

God does not want us to live trying to accumulate points for heaven. He wants us to trust in what Jesus did for us. When we accept that gift by faith, our life begins to change. We do not obey in order to be saved, but because we have already been saved. Good works are not the cause of salvation, but its fruit.

This message is an invitation to rest in God’s grace. To stop trying to “earn” God’s love and begin to live as children who already have it. Obedience, service, generosity… all of these are valuable, but they only make sense when they are born out of a living relationship with Jesus. Salvation is not a reward for human effort. It is a demonstration of divine love. And that love transforms the heart, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude.

Many people believe that having faith simply means saying “I believe in God” or “I follow Jesus.” But the Bible shows us that true faith goes far beyond words. Jesus Himself warned that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who do the will of the Father. This brings us to a profound truth: obedience is evidence of authentic faith.

It is not about following rules to earn heaven. Salvation is by grace, not by works. But when someone has been transformed by that grace, their life begins to change. They begin to love what God loves and reject what He rejects. Obedience is not a burden, but a natural response of someone who has been touched by the love of God.

Jesus spoke of two types of people: one who hears His teaching and puts it into practice, and another who hears it but does not obey. The first is like a house built on rock: firm, secure, able to withstand storms. The second is like a house built on sand: fragile, unstable, destined to fall. This comparison shows us that obedience is not a minor detail, but the foundation of a solid spiritual life.

There are people who do religious things, prophesy, cast out demons, perform miracles, but do not obey God. Although they may appear spiritual, they do not have a true relationship with Him. Jesus says He never knew them. This teaches us that appearances can deceive, but God sees the heart.

Saving faith produces fruit. Not perfect fruit, but visible fruit. When someone has been born again, the Holy Spirit begins to guide, correct, and strengthen them. That person begins to live differently, not out of fear, but out of love. They seek to please God, even if they sometimes fail. Their life reflects a real transformation.

This message is an invitation to examine our hearts. Am I living to please God? Is my faith reflected in my decisions, in how I treat others, in how I respond to His Word? It is not about being perfect, but about walking sincerely, allowing God to shape us each day.

OBEDIENCE IS THE EVIDENCE OF OUR FAITH! SALVATION IS BY BELIEVING WITH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST!

Teaching by BK