Words of Wisdom from the Babylon Bee – We all know, or should know, that entrance into Heaven is not dependent on any form of work-based theology, including church attendance. We also know, as Biblical Christians, that Heaven is a permanent and eternal resting place for those who believe in the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as payment for our sins. After death there are only two places one can go, and both of them are permanent, not dependent on our behavior on earth … right?

Well, what about James…

James 2:14,17 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?… So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 

How can the Bible reconcile this clear interpretation that “faith by itself” isn’t enough? That our works are also needed? This theology of being a good, moral person is juxtaposed against verses such as …

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 

Romans 10:9 - If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

For many, comparing verses such as those above is a clear example that the Bible is flawed and therefore unreliable as an instruction manual from God.

However, reconciliation of these verses is straightforward if one approaches the Bible with a submissive and trusting heart.

Entrance into Heaven is based on the grace of God in providing His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Part of that new life we receive comes from the Holy Spirit as our Counselor. Consider for a moment if you believed that the Holy Spirit is within you (Romans 8:9), part of the Trinity of the Creator of the universe. Would you not expect to be changed (2 Corinthians 5:17)? Would your behavior be noticeably different?

The reconciliation of James and Ephesians is a simple one. We are saved by grace, repentance, and faith, not by works. However, once saved, we are a new creation, and as such, we will demonstrate the love of God through our actions toward others (Luke 10:27). These verses are not opposed to each other; they are complementary, as one (works) follows the other (salvation).

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words

Please Comment – here or on Medium