EPHESIANS 2:8-9
For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.
Often, the verse above is used by pastors to justify the doctrine that faith alone saves. That we do not have to have good works to be able to attain salvation. But try to ask these pastors if tithing is a form of good work. They will surely tell you that is definitely good work. Then tell them that since they themselves say that good works are not necessary that makes tithing unnecessary as well. Watch them turn mad as you try to deny them of 10% of your income.
Kidding aside, does the verse above really instruct Christians to forget about doing good works ?
MATTHEW 28:20
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:20 has a significant point as far as doing good works is concerned. Jesus reinforces the need to obey and consequently do what He has commanded His disciples. These commandments are binding not only on the disciples but to Christians as well. The verse too contains the promise of Jesus that He will be with those who will obey and do His commandments.
JAMES 2:24
You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
It cannot get any clearer than the verse in James that good works are necessary for Christians to truly have the life that Jesus promises.
I hope that Christians become truly Christians through their works and not merely by professing their faith through words.
PHILIPPIANS 2:12-13
Therefore my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, WORK OUT your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
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