Millions believe they must contribute something to their salvation — often because their church has told them so. Perhaps someone has argued that point with you and even attempted to use the Bible when explaining their position.

"But don't you believe that 'works' must have some role to play in a person's salvation? A person's performance must count for something in God's sight. It can't be a 'free' ride! That's cheap thinking. If you want to use Abraham as an example, just look at his own personal contributions towards his salvation. As an adult male, he submitted to that excruciatingly painful procedure of circumcision long before there was any local anesthetic to deaden the pain. He complied with everything God wanted him to do. All of those things about Abraham's personal performance must have counted for something in his being right with God."

“For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’ Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.” Romans 4:3–5

It seems somewhat logical that human effort must play a part. It seems reasonable to think that something so significant as salvation and justification (right with God in every way) would be the reward of those who diligently work to please God. People and their religions think that way today.

Not surprisingly, the Jews in the Apostle Paul’s day thought that way, too. Personal works and merit must count for something. In fact, many churches throughout the world that claim to fly the Christian flag teach the same thing. The more good you do, the better the chance you have of finding favour with God and being accepted by Him. It sounds like a good plan. Better said: it sounds like a human plan!

What’s the final word in this age-old debate? Paul clears the deck of the debris of human reasoning by asking the question: “For what does the Scripture say?”

The final authority on this all-important matter is not what the church says or teaches, nor what the majority believe. The final authority is the Scriptures—the Word of God. What does the Bible say?

Someone may interrupt you by quoting the words of the Apostle James on the subject of works and claim there’s a discrepancy between Paul and James:

“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” James 2:24

James is not contradicting Paul. Paul teaches that a sinner is made right before God — entirely by faith, apart from works. James is exposing a false, empty “faith” that has no fruit. Paul addresses the root of justification; James focuses on the fruit.

True faith always results in love and good works, not as the cause of justification, but as the evidence of it. James is warning against people who claim to be Christians but show no evidence. Such a faith is dead — beware of it.

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Long before Abraham submitted to the painful procedure of circumcision, he was justified — made right and entirely accepted by God. How did this happen? By simple faith in God, believing and resting on God’s Word. What God had promised, He was also able to perform. The moment he believed God, God brought him into a right standing with Himself.

“Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:6

The outcome of Abraham’s faith in God is underlined in the New Testament. Read this verse again:

“For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’ Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.” Romans 4:3–5

If Abraham had to work for such a standing, it would have been a reward from God. But enjoying a right standing with God is not a reward — it’s a gift!

Justification comes by faith, not works. That’s what the Bible teaches, and that’s the bottom line.

And what about faith itself — is that a work? No. Faith is simply the empty hand receiving what God has done. It’s not a contribution — it’s dependence.

Is it cheap or of little value because we don’t have to work for it? Absolutely not! There was nothing cheap about it. The cost was fully absorbed by God when He gave up His Son Jesus Christ to the death of the Cross. Grace is free to us but infinitely costly to Him.

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

Don’t ever buy the human argument that a person’s works and deeds and behaviour contribute something to the process of them being saved or justified before God. As a young Christian, make sure you are clear on this critical truth. It is foundational!

Rejoice that your eternal salvation and peace with God are not based on your performance — past, present, or future. It depends on Christ’s finished work; your peace with God is secure forever.

This is the glory of the gospel: our justification is free to us, but it was purchased at infinite cost by Christ on the Cross. Because of Him, we don’t work for peace with God — we rest in it.

Can you think of other Bible verses that speak to this subject? Be sure to pass along your favourites in the comment section below.