Three distinct views of the subject of salvation exist among the many religious bodies that give a measure of honor to Jesus Christ, though there are many variations of these views.

The first group emphasizes FAITH. They reject "works" as necessary to salvation, ignoring the fact that Jesus called faith itself a "work" (John 6:28-29). They say, "There is nothing you can DO to gain salvation," in spite of the question often asked in the Bible, "What must I DO to be saved?" (Acts 16:30, and compare Acts 2:37 and Acts 22:10). Works for salvation are important, if the Scripture says they are. After Showing Abraham's example of obedient faith, James writes, "You see then, how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (James 2:24).

The second group contends that man is saved by WORKS, apart from faith. Yet, the Scripture says, "Now to him that works, the reward is not reckoned as of grace, but as of debt. But to him that works not, but believes on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness" (Romans 4:4-5).

The concepts based on these passages seem to contradict each other, but one says that salvation depends on "faith, apart from works of the Law" (Romans 3:28. The context of this verse shows that Paul refers to works of the obsolete Law of Moses.), while the other passage is saying that faith must be "shown" by its works (James 2:18). "Obedience of faith" is the principle given in Romans 16:25-26. To be saved, we must "OBEY the gospel" (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). This means to obey the terms required by Christ for salvation that are found in the message of the gospel. The Scriptures say, "But thanks be to God, that, whereas you were servants of sin, you became OBEDIENT from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto you were delivered; and being made free from sin, you became servants of righteousness" (Romans 6:17-18).

The Bible calls for works of faith, rather than exclusive emphasis on either "faith" or "works." Whatever saving work is required of us in the gospel we should willingly do, whether it be verbal confession (Romans 10:9-10), repentance (Acts 3:19), or baptism (1 Peter 3:21). This is the only way to be confident that we have pleased God in all things, and be certain of our salvation.

1. What are the three distinct views on the subject of salvation?
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2. According to John 6:28-29, is faith a "work?"
3.How many times does the Scripture record questions which show that men thought they had to DO something to be saved?
4. By what was Abraham "justified," in addition to his faith?
5. What command did Abraham obey, in order to show his faith? (James 2:21)
6.According to Romans 4:4-5, on what basis is "reward...reckoned" to "him that works?"
7.How is it reckoned to "him that works not?"
8.Though James 2:21-24 and Romans 4:4-5 seem to contradict each other, how do we know that they do not?
9.What must be obeyed, in order to escape the judgment of the Lord, according to 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9?
10.To what must we be obedient, according to Romans 6:17-18?
11.What was Paul emphasizing in Romans 16:25-26?
12.When a person realizes that he needs salvation, should he be willing to do any-thing that God requires in order to gain it?
13.What three works of faith are required of the person who believes in Christ?