The topic of salvation – how one receives eternal life – has been debated for centuries. Currently, the view that salvation is attained through good works seems to be the predominant perspective. There are a few reasons why this may be the case:
1. It appeals to our natural sense of fairness and justice
On a basic level, it makes sense that God would reward those who live good, moral lives and punish those who do evil. The view that entrance to heaven is based on the merit of one’s deeds resonates with most people’s innate sense of justice and fairness. If eternal destiny is not at least partially based on works, it runs counter to this natural sense of right and wrong. Most major world religions, such as Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and even some sectors of Christianity teach a works-based salvation. The ubiquity of this perspective speaks to its wide appeal.
2. Many Bible passages emphasize good works
While the Bible teaches salvation is received by God’s grace alone through faith, it does contain numerous verses that highlight the importance of good works for the believer. For example, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” (James 2:14).
Due to the prominence of verses like these, some conclude that works must play a part in salvation. Without considering the full counsel of Scripture, it is easy to see why many gravitate toward this viewpoint.
3. Some denominations explicitly teach salvation by works
Certain Christian denominations and sects teach that entrance to heaven is based on personal righteousness and obedience to God’s commands. Groups that espouse salvation by works include Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others. Through their influence and proselytizing, these groups have spread the doctrine of salvation by works to all corners of the globe.
The Roman Catholic Church, for instance, teaches that initial justification does come by faith, but maintains that believers must do good works and participate in the sacraments to attain final justification/salvation. The Church holds considerable sway – about 50% of Christians worldwide are Catholic. Teachings like these significantly contribute to the perception that heaven is earned by good behavior.
4. Christian hypocrisy and scandals undermine grace
Though the Bible clearly teaches salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, sadly, many Christians do not live according to their calling. Scandals involving prominent ministry leaders contradict the message of grace, causing many to dismiss the idea that heaven cannot be earned. Hypocrisy and unchristian behavior among believers fuels the view that entrance to heaven is based on merit and works, not grace.
5. Works-based salvation appeals to man’s pride
The natural human heart is prideful and seeks to be self-sufficient. A works-based salvation plays into this pride – we want to think we can earn and merit God’s favor through our own efforts. We resist the idea that we cannot make ourselves righteous before a holy God. A grace-based salvation that is not dependant on works runs counter to our pride. It suggests moral effort is ultimately futile, offending human ego and self-perceived goodness.
Due to innate pride, many refuse to acknowledge their inability to merit salvation. Works-based salvation provides an alternative that is more palatable to human pride.
6. Absence of true biblical understanding
Sadly, biblical illiteracy is widespread in many parts of the church. Basic biblical truths like salvation by grace alone through faith are not well understood. Some professing Christians cannot explain fundamental doctrines like justification or regeneration. Instead, they default to a works-based perspective that aligns with comparative religion and popular misconception. Lack of scriptural knowledge significantly contributes to the prevalent view of salvation by works.
7. Justification and sanctification are confused
Another factor that promotes works-based salvation is the conflating of justification with sanctification. Justification is God’s one-time legal declaration of a sinner’s righteousness by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Sanctification is the lifelong process of growing in holiness. Many Christians blur the distinction, believing their increasing obedience somehow contributes to their justification/salvation. This confusion leads to perception that works are part of justification. Failure to distinguish between positional righteousness (justification) and practical righteousness (sanctification) fuels doctrinal error.
8. Easy beliefism produces bad fruit
“Easy believism” – the view that mere intellectual assent or a superficial prayer is sufficient for salvation – has led to negative consequences in the church. Some who do not bear fruit of genuine conversion assume they are eternally saved based on an empty profession of faith. Their unchanged lives contradict the gospel of grace. This fosters cynicism about salvation by grace, driving some to conclude that works must be necessary for final justification and heaven.
9. Reaction against hyper-grace movements
In another ditch, some hyper-grace movements have arisen that downplay or diminsh the importance of good works and holy living. Though well-meaning, some grace teachers imply that works are unimportant, as salvation is secure regardless of one’s actions. This distorts the biblical teaching on rewards, sanctification, and perseverance. It understandably causes some to reject the doctrine of justification by faith alone. The solution is not salvation by works, but a balanced understanding of how grace and works operate in harmony.
10. Resistance toward “easy” salvation
Due to human pride, some instinctively recoil at the idea of an “easy” salvation that requires nothing but faith in Christ. They wrongly assume that if works are not involved, anyone can just live how they please and still go to heaven when they die. This antinomian view is unbiblical. However, it causes some to believe that entrance to heaven cannot possibly come freely through grace. In response, they embrace salvation through moral effort and striving.
In summary, the perception that heaven is attained by good works and spiritual effort is widespread. This owes to man’s pride, works-based religions, biblical illiteracy, Christian hypocrisy, and confusion about grace and works. Yet Scripture unequivocally teaches that eternal life is “the gift of God, not by works” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is received by repentance and faith in Christ’s finished work, not by human effort or merit. Good works flow from salvation but play no part in earning it. The Bible makes clear that man cannot work his way to heaven. Eternal destiny comes solely by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
