As followers of Jesus Christ, we are justified (made righteous) through faith in Jesus Christ alone—not by works.
Here’s what the Bible has to say about justification:
. . . knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. (Gal 2:16)
Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Gal 3:24)
. . . and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith . . . (Phil 3:9)
Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. (Ac 13:38-39, underscoring added)
Even the faith which we have is a gift from God according to Ephesians 2:8. So we cannot boast in our faith, because the faith in which we operate is a gift of God. So, am I saying that good works have no place in the believer’s life? No! Of course not, but let us appreciate and thank God for His precious gift of salvation and the justification that is included in it.
Yes, there is a place for good works. According to Ephesians 2:10, we were created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Titus 3:8 reminds us to maintain good works because they are good and profitable to all people.
So, in our walk of faith let us recognize that we need to feed and strengthen our faith by reading the Word, and we need to maintain good works, as well. With such behavior as this, God is well pleased.
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