Which Works?

One will say, “We are saved as the result of grace, not by our works.” Another will say, “We cannot truly love or know God apart from our works.” Sometimes, God’s Word seems to say works are unimportant. Other times, it seems to say our works will justify us before God. So, which is it? What does the Bible teach? First, the careful student of God’s Word must ask, “Which works are we talking about here?” The Bible discusses at least three different kinds of works.

Works of Merit

These are the works one does in order to earn something. Think of a laborer who works in the field to earn a wage. After his appointed labor, he deserves his pay. When it comes to salvation and our relationship with God, works of merit are totally unimportant. This is because nothing we do could ever equal the sacrifice of the Son of God. This is why the Bible says salvation is “not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph 2:8-9). If we could earn cleansing of sin and right standing with God, then there would be no need of grace (Rom 4:1-4; Tit 3:4-7). Christians today need humility (Jam 4:6), not the pride of merit-based salvation.

Works of the Old Law

These are the works associated with keeping the Law of Moses. Think of animal sacrifices, tithing, keeping the Sabbath, and especially circumcision. When it comes to salvation in the church age, works of the old law have no importance. The Law of Moses has passed away, just as God designed it to do (Gal 3:19, 24-25; Col 2:14-17; Heb 8:6-13). Therefore, the law of the new covenant is Christ’s doctrine (2 Jn 1:9). The New Testament instructs us not to seek righteousness in the old law, but rather in Christ (Rom 3:21-22; Gal 2:21; Php 3:8-9). Christians today live under the new covenant (Heb 9:15), not the old law.

Works of Submissive Obedience

These are the works of a servant doing his master’s bidding. This is not a hired worker, but more accurately a slave. He does not work to earn a wage. He works out of a recognition that his master has authority over him. He works only to please his master. These are the works important for salvation in the church age (John 14:15; Acts 2:37-38; Rom 6:17; Php 2:12; Tit 3:8; 1 Jn 2:3). God in His grace has provided instruction for us to follow. We are purified and saved from wrath in obeying the gospel (1 Pet 1:22; 2 Thess 1:8). We are saved by the sacrifice of Jesus when we perfect our faith in obeying the teaching of grace (1 Cor 15:1-3; Tit 2:11-12; Jam 2:22).

May we each understand which sort of works the Bible emphasizes. We should not seek works of merit, attempting to be deserving of salvation. Likewise, we should not revert to works of the old law, seeking justification through an outmoded system. Let us all be diligent to do works of submissive obedience, pleasing our Heavenly Master and acknowledging His authority.