Why Don’t Good Works Save Us?
Why Don’t Good Works Save Us?Chapter 4 — Salvation
Lesson 29: Why Don’t Good Works Save Us?Good works cannot pay for sin; salvation is God’s gift.
Explanation
Good works are important, but they cannot save. They cannot erase past sin, and they cannot change the heart from which so much evil comes. Even our most beautiful deeds are touched by weakness.
That is why salvation does not come through works, but by grace, through faith, in Christ. Good works come afterward, as the fruit of a changed heart, not as the price of entry.
Bible story
The Pharisees were often impressed by their own works, but Jesus shows them that their hearts stayed far from God. In contrast, humble sinners came to Him asking for mercy and found forgiveness.
Remember
- The truth: Good works cannot pay for sin; salvation is God’s gift.
- Good works cannot buy forgiveness or salvation.
- Good works are the fruit of salvation, not its cause.
Titus 3:5
“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;”
Tap to open the verse in Scripture and mark it as read.
- Do good out of love and thankfulness, not to impress God.
- When you succeed at something good, thank the Lord instead of swelling with pride.
- Look to Christ for salvation, and then serve Him with joy.
1. What are we not saved through?
2. Why is salvation a gift?
3. Why can’t good works pay for sin?
4. Where do good works fit in, then?