So far in our study we’ve established salvation is everlasting, and once one is born again (saved), he or she cannot be unborn. Today, I’d like to talk about one of the most prominent areas that separates Christianity from all other religions. Let’s talk about works.

There are those who teach one can lose their salvation if their works do not live up to the standard of what God expects. In other words, if--after salvation--you sin, you become lost and must become saved again. While believers should not desire to sin, the fact remains we still live in the flesh, and the flesh is the part of us that is not saved; therefore, it will fail us from time to time. The important thing here is to confess our sin to God, ask for forgiveness, and move on (I John 1:9). A second (or fifteenth) salvation experience is not required because salvation is by faith, not by works. It is not conditional based on our accomplishments but is fixed because it is based on Christ’s finished work on Calvary. But again, don’t take my word for it. See what the Bible has to say about the matter.

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; - Titus 3:5

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. - Romans 3:20

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. - Galatians 2:16

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: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; - Philippians 3:9-10

These are just a few of the verses within the Scriptures which teach salvation is by faith in Christ—nothing more, nothing less. To say works are a requirement for salvation is a slap in the face of God because it’s declaring the death of Christ was not sufficient payment for our sin. If the shed blood of Christ can’t save us, our works certainly can’t.

And not only can they not save us, but neither can they keep us saved. Can believers sin and still be saved? Absolutely. When Jesus died on Calvary, He died for all the sins of the world—past, present, and future. There is no sin now or yet to come that was not covered under His payment for sin. They have all been paid for. His death and resurrection paved the way for us to be free from the penalty of sin. That’s not to say the sin of a believer doesn’t have consequences on this side of Heaven, but no sin committed after salvation has the power to strip salvation from us. It’s impossible! If works (good or bad) cannot save us, then it’s only logical to conclude they cannot keep us saved or undo it.

Works have no bearing on our salvation except that those of us who are truly born of God will have the desire to live right. That doesn’t mean we never stray, falter, or fall, but when we do, the Holy Spirit convicts our heart about the matter until we get it settled by going to God for forgiveness. Notice, I said we go for forgiveness, not to be saved again. Not only that, but our works here on earth play a role in the rewards awaiting us in Heaven. So, while our works do not impact our salvation, they bear significance in our future roles in the Heavenly Kingdom.

Thousands of people around the globe live each day in fear of losing their salvation because they cannot live up to the standard of perfection. Guess what. None of us can live up to that because we’re not perfect. The point is to try to be like Christ. God knows we’ll never be like Him fully. He’s God! But He wants us to love Him enough to seek to imitate Him. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. Doesn’t God deserve that and so much more? Sure, but it’s important we keep in mind God is a good and gracious God who wants us to live an abundant life. Living an abundant life is impossible for those who live each day in fear of messing up and losing their salvation because of it.  

Salvation is a gift given by a holy God. To say we can lose it is to say God would take back the gift He has so freely given. What kind of Father is that? The Bible is clear. Salvation is through faith, not of works. Works cannot save you nor can they keep you saved. It’s that simple.