NT: 70 Specific Good Works Contribute To Salvation

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Nor are our works of any kind the ground of justification . . . The ground of justification is the righteousness of Christ . . .

Grace and works are antithetical . . . Grace of necessity excludes works of every kind, . . . merit of any degree is of necessity excluded if our salvation be by grace . . .

Good works are not necessary to our justification; they are consequences and indirectly the fruits of justification and, therefore, cannot be its ground . . . It is agreed that it is only a living faith, i.e., a faith which works by love and purifies the heart, that unites the soul to Christ and secures our reconciliation with God . . . It is universally admitted that an immoral life is inconsistent with a state of grace, that those who willfully continue in the practice of sin shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Reformed theologian Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, abridged one-volume edition by Edward N. Gross, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1988; originally 1873, 3 volumes, pp. 454, 458, 471-472)

“Now more than ever, it is clear that Rome never intended to devaluate the significance of faith and God’s sovereign grace . . . Is it not, then, a grievous misconception to interpret Roman Catholic teaching as Pelagian? . . . (Reformed theologian G. C. Berkouwer, Faith and Justification: Studies in Dogmatics, translated by Lewis B. Smedes, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 1954, pp. 13, 109)

Whether we say we are justified by faith, or by works, or by sacraments, all these but mean this one doctrine that we are justified by grace which is given through sacraments, impetrated by faith, manifested in works. (St. John Henry Cardinal Newman, Lectures on Justification, 1838 [during his Anglican period], 3rd edition, 1874, p. 303)

Both sides agree that faith is absolutely necessary for salvation and that we are clearly commanded by God to do good works . . . each side often thinks that the other denies one of these principles. In fact, however, at the level of creeds, catechisms, confessions, and councils, both sides completely concur on these two maxims. The split comes over the precise nature of the relationship of faith and works to each other and to justification and salvation. We must not minimize theological divisions, nor should we exaggerate them. The first approach flows from the duty of honesty; the second from the demands of charity and understanding among Christians in the Body of Christ. (my book, A Biblical Defense of Catholicism, finished in 1996, and published by Sophia Institute Press, 2003, 31)

Protestants believe that good works inevitably flow from a genuine faith. We agree, but we also add that these post-regenerative works are organically connected to grace and faith and hence are said to be part of the overall equation of justification and salvation . . . We don’t separate sanctification from justification and regard it as non-salvific. Faith contains good works within itself, by definition. James is the most explicit about this, but there is plenty in Paul [and Jesus], too. (my article, “Catholic Salvation: Explanation for Protestants”, 2-25-26)

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I will be utilizing for my Bible passages, my prior article, Bible vs. “Faith Alone”: 120 NT & 30 OT Proofs [from 26 out of the 27 NT Books] [8-26-24; revised and expanded on 1-18-26]. Here my goal is to point out the obvious causal relationships at play in these passages. It’s very difficult for Protestants to deny them. In order to do so, I’ll be using a technique of analyzing the distinctly separate elements of these Bible passages:

1) Good, meritorious works (actions as opposed to faith or belief or assent) are indicated by blue font.

2) Causal indications (e.g., “because of” or “for you did . . .” or “unless” or “rewarded with” etc.) are indicated by red font.

3) Salvation, heaven, eternal life, or justification as the reward for good works, are indicated by green font.

I will always directly quote the Bible. The complete passages can be referenced in the article linked above. Here I am honing in on very specific portions, for my purposes.

Key words will be italicized.

If a passage indicates multiple works as causes of salvation, each will be noted by itself as an entry.

Gaps in the citations will be indicated by ellipses (. . .).

Sometimes I will modify the syntactical order of passages without changing the words or meaning at all, in order to make the point more clearly.

None of this implies in the slightest that grace and faith are not also involved. They certainly are. The Catholic doesn’t deny that. We think that the three are present side-by-side and in a mixture; therefore, we deny that good works should be categorically excluded as causes of salvation, alongside and in and through faith and grace, and assert with James that “faith without works is dead.” Catholics reject salvation by works alone (the historic heresy of Pelagianism). We also believe that God alone starts the process of salvation, or what we call “initial justification” (also known as monergism) and that the elect are predestined by God from all eternity. It’s the Protestant false and unbiblical doctrine of denying the specific role of good works as one of the three causes of salvation and the attaining of eternal life (i.e., faith alone or sola fide) that is relentlessly refuted in these passages from the Bible.

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Matthew 5:19 (RSV) Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them . . . shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:19 Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who . . . teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:20 unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 7:21 Not every one who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” . . . but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. . . . shall enter the kingdom of heaven,

Matthew 10:22 (cf. Mt 24:13; Mk 13:13) . . . he who endures to the end will be saved.

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man . . . will repay every man for what he has done.

Matthew 19:17 . . . keep the commandments . . . If you would enter [eternal] life, . . . . [19:16 references “eternal life”]

Matthew 19:21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven . . .”

Matthew 19:29 . . . every one who has left houses . . . for my name’s sake, will . . . inherit eternal life. (cf. Mk 10:28-30; Lk 18:26-30)

Matthew 19:29 . . . every one who has left . . . brothers or sisters . . . for my name’s sake, will . . .inherit eternal life.

Matthew 19:29 . . . every one who has left . . . father or mother . . . for my name’s sake, will . . . inherit eternal life.

Matthew 19:29 . . . every one who has left . . . children . . . for my name’s sake, will . . . inherit eternal life.

Matthew 19:29 . . . every one who has left . . . lands, for my name’s sake, will . . . inherit eternal life.

Matthew 25:20-21 . . . ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’ [21] His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; . . . enter into the joy of your master.’

Matthew 25:34-35 . . . ‘Come, . . . inherit the kingdom . . . [35] for I was hungry and you gave me food, . . .

Matthew 25:34-35 . . . ‘Come, . . . inherit the kingdom . . . [35] for . . . I was thirsty and you gave me drink, . . .

Matthew 25:34-35 . . . ‘Come, . . . inherit the kingdom . . . [35] for . . . I was a stranger and you welcomed me, . . .

Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; . . .

Luke 3:8-9 (+ Mt 3:10; 7:19) Bear fruits that befit repentance, . . . [9] . . . every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [thus, bearing good fruit is one way to heaven]

Luke 6:35 . . . love your enemies, . . . and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High

Luke 6:35 . . . do good, . . . and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High

Luke 6:35 . . . lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High

Luke 6:46-48 Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? [47] Every one who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: [48] he is like a man building a house, who dug deep, and laid the foundation upon rock; and when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it had been well built.

Luke 10:25, 27-28 . . . “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” . . . [27] And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; . . . [28] And he said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.”

Luke 10:25, 27-28 . . . “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” . . . [27] And he answered, “You shall love . . . your neighbor as yourself.” [28] And he said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.”

Luke 12:33 . . . Sell your possessions, . . . for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:33 . . . give alms . . . for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Luke 18:29-30 . . . “Truly, I say to you, there is no man who has left . . . [his] wife . . . for the sake of the kingdom of God, [30] who will not receive . . . eternal life.”

John 3:5 . . . unless a man is born of water and of the Spirit [baptism], he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” [baptism is necessary to enter the kingdom of God]

John 4:36 He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life,

John 5:28-29 . . . all who are in the tombs will hear his voice [29] and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment.

John 6:48, 50 I am the bread of life. . . . [50] This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat of it and not die.

John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh.

John 6:54 he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, . . .

John 6:57 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. [57] . . . he who eats me will live because of me.

John 6:58 This is the bread which came down from heaven, . . . he who eats this bread will live for ever.

John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Acts 2:38, 40-41 . . . “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” . . . [40] . . . “Save yourselves . . .” [41] . . . there were added that day about three thousand souls. (cf. 9:17-18; 22:16, regarding Paul’s own baptism)

Romans 2:6 For he will render to every man according to his works:

Romans 2:7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;

Romans 2:9-10 for every one who does good, . . . There will be . . . glory and honor and peace

Romans 2:13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.

Romans 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life.

Romans 8:13 . . . if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live.

Romans 8:17 . . . heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Romans 10:13, 16 For, “every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” . . . [16] But they have not all obeyed the gospel;

Romans 13:8-9, 11 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. [9] The commandments, . . . and any other commandment, are summed up in this sentence, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” . . . [11] . . . For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; (cf. Gal 5:19)

Romans 13:11-14 . . . salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; [12] . . . cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; [13] let us conduct ourselves becomingly . . . [14] . . . put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

1 Corinthians 2:9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him,”

1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or evil, according to what he has done in the body.

Galatians 5:5-6 For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness. [6] . . . faith working through love.

Galatians 6:8-9 . . . he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. [9] And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:8, 10 . . . he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. . . . [10] So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, . . .

Ephesians 6:8 knowing that whatever good any one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, . . .

Philippians 2:12-13 . . . as you have always obeyed, . . . work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; [13] for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Philippians 3:10-11 . . . that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Philippians 3:11-13 that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. [12] Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. [13] Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own . . .

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; . . .

1 Thessalonians 1:3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith . . . and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:3 remembering before our God and Father your . . . labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 . . . may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all men, as we do to you, [13] so that he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (cf. 4:1)

1 Thessalonians 5:8-9 . . . let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. [9] For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 Thessalonians 1:7, 11 . . . when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, . . . [11] To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his call, and may fulfil every good resolve and work of faith by his power,

2 Thessalonians 2:13 . . . God chose you from the beginning to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.

1 Timothy 2:15 Yet woman will be saved through bearing children, if she continues in faith and love . . .

1 Timothy 2:15 Yet woman will be saved through bearing children, if she continues in . . . holiness, . . .

1 Timothy 4:8 . . . godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. . . .

1 Timothy 4:10 For to this end we toil . . . because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. . . .

1 Timothy 4:10 For to this end we . . . strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. . . .

1 Timothy 4:12, 15-16 . . . set the believers an example in speech . . . [15] Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. [16] Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4:12, 15-16 . . . set the believers an example in . . . conduct, . . . [15] Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. [16] Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4:12, 15-16 . . . set the believers an example . . . in love, . . . [15] Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. [16] Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4:12, 15-16 . . . set the believers an example . . . in purity. . . . [15] Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. [16] Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4:13, 15-16 . . . attend to the public reading of scripture, . . . [15] Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. [16] Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4:13, 15–16 . . . attend to . . . preaching, . . . [15] Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. [16] Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4:13, 15-16 . . . attend . . . to teaching. . . . [15] Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. [16] Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4:14-16 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. [15] Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. [16] Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. [this is referring to the gift and sacrament of ordination, which gives grace, even up to and including helping to save]

1 Timothy 6:11-12 But as for you, man of God, . . . aim at righteousness, . . . [12] Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called . . .

1 Timothy 6:11-12 But as for you, man of God, . . . aim at . . . godliness, . . . [12] Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called . . .

1 Timothy 6:11-12 But as for you, man of God, . . . aim at . . . love, . . . [12] Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called . . .

1 Timothy 6:12, 14 . . . take hold of the eternal life to which you were called . . . , [14] I charge you to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; . . .

1 Timothy 6:18-19 They are to do good, . . . [19] thus laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life which is life indeed.

1 Timothy 6:18-19 They are . . . to be rich in good deeds, . . . [19] thus laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life which is life indeed.

1 Timothy 6:18-19 They are . . . to be . . . liberal and generous, [19] thus laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life which is life indeed.

2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Titus 3:5 He saved us, . . . by the washing of regeneration . . . [baptism]

Hebrews 5:9 . . . he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,

Hebrews 6:9-10 . . . we feel sure of better things that belong to salvation. [10] For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love which you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do.

Hebrews 6:11-12 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness in realizing the full assurance of hope until the end, [12] so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 10:22-23 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful; [baptism]

Hebrews 10:22-24 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, . . . [23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, . . . [24] and let us consider how to stir up one another to love . . .

Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life . . .

James 1:12 . . . he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.

James 2:5 . . . Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to those who love him?

James 2:14, 17 What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? . . . [17] So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. . . . (cf. 2:20, 26)

James 2:22, 24 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by works, . . . [24] You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. . . .

1 Peter 1:2 chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ . . .

1 Peter 1:17 . . . [the] Father . . . who judges each one impartially according to his deeds, . . .

1 Peter 1:21-22 Through him you have confidence in God, . . . so that your faith and hope are in God. [22] Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth . . .

1 Peter 1:21-22 Through him you have confidence in God, . . . so that your faith and hope are in God. [22] Having purified your souls by . . . a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart.

1 Peter 3:21 Baptism . . . saves you . . .

1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4:18 And “If the righteous man is scarcely saved, where will the impious and sinner appear?”

2 Peter 1:5, 10-11 For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, . . . [10] . . . be the more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall; [11] so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:5-6, 10-11 For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with . . . [6] . . . self-control, . . . [10] . . . be the more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall; [11] so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:5-6, 10-11 For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with . . . [6] . . . steadfastness, . . . [10] . . . be the more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall; [11] so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:5-6, 10-11 For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith . . . [6] . . . with godliness, . . . [10] . . . be the more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall; [11] so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:5, 7, 10-11 For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith . . . [7] . . . with brotherly affection, . . . [10] . . . be the more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall; [11] so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:5, 7, 10-11 For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith . . . [7] . . . with love. . . . [10] . . . be the more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall; [11] so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:11-13, 15 . . . what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness . . . [12] waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God,. . . [13] But according to his promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. . . . [15] And count the forbearance of our Lord as salvation. . . .

2 Peter 3:11-13, 15 . . . what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of . . . godliness, [12] waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God,. . . [13] But according to his promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. . . . [15] And count the forbearance of our Lord as salvation. . . .

2 Peter 3:12-15 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God,. . . [13] But according to his promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. [14] Therefore, beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. [15] And count the forbearance of our Lord as salvation. . . .

1 John 2:17 . . . he who does the will of God abides for ever.

1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. . . .

1 John 4:16-17 . . . he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. [17] In this is love perfected with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment . . .

2 John 1:6, 8 And this is love, that we follow his commandments; this is the commandment, as you have heard from the beginning, that you follow love.. . . [8] Look to yourselves, that you may not lose what you have worked for, but may win a full reward.

Jude 20-21 . . . build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; [21] keep yourselves in the love of God; wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Revelation 2:5 Remember then from what you have fallen, repent and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Revelation 2:10 . . . the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 2:19, 23, 26 I know your works, . . . and that your latter works exceed the first. . . . [23] . . . I will give to each of you as your works deserve. . . . [26] He who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, I will give him power over the nations,

Revelation 2:19, 26 I know . . . your love . . . [26] He who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, I will give him power over the nations,

Revelation 2:19, 26 I know your . . . service . . . [26] He who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, I will give him power over the nations,

Revelation 2:19, 26 I know your . . . patient endurance, . . . [26] He who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, I will give him power over the nations,

Revelation 14:12-13 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. [13] And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”

Revelation 20:12-13 . . . And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, by what they had done. [13] . . . and all were judged by what they had done.

Revelation 22:12 Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense, to repay every one for what he has done.

SUMMARY

the word “faith” mentioned alongside works (14x; Gal 5:6; 1 Thess 1:3; 2 Thess 1:11; 1 Tim 2:15; 6:12; Heb 6:12; 10:22; Jas 2:14, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26; Jude 20)

the word “believe[s]” mentioned alongside works (2x; Mk 16:16; Rom 13:11)

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1 what he has done (4x; Mt 16:27; 2 Cor 5:10; Rev 20:12-13; 22:12)

2 well-doing (2x; Rom 2:7; Gal 6:9)

3 does the will of [the] Father / God (3x; Mt 7:21; Heb 10:36; 1 Jn 2:17)

4 obey [Jesus] “tell[s]” them (3x; Lk 6:46; Heb 5:9; 1 Pet 1:2)

5 [keep] commandments (5x; Mt 5:19; 19:17; 1 Tim 6:14; 2 Jn 1:6; Rev 14:12)

6 teaches the commandments (Mt 5:19)

7 the doers of the law . . . will be justified (Rom 2:13)

8 work[s] (12x; Rom 2:6; Phil 2:13; Col 3:23; Heb 6:10; Jas 2:14, 17, 20, 26; 2 Jn 1:8; Rev 2:5, 19, 23)

9 faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by works, (Jas 2:22)

10 a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. (Jas 2:24)

11 good works (Heb 10:24)

12 keeps my works until the end (Rev 2:26)

13 faith working through love (Gal 5:6)

14 work of faith (2x; 1 Thess 1:3; 2 Thess 1:11)

15 work out your own salvation (Phil 2:12)

16 present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed (2 Tim 2:15)

17 build yourselves up on your most holy faith (Jude 20)

18 labor of love / labors (2x; 1 Thess 1:3; Rev 14:13)

19 serving the saints (Heb 6:10)

20 obeyed the gospel (Rom 10:16)

21 conduct ourselves becomingly (Rom 13:13)

22 run [like “runners”] (1 Cor 9:24)

23 righteous / righteousness (3x; Mt 5:20; 1 Tim 6:11; 1 Pet 4:18)

24 sanctification / sanctified (3x; Rom 6:22; 2 Thess 2:13; 1 Pet 1:2)

25 unblamable in holiness / holiness (2x; 1 Thess 3:13; 2 Pet 3:11)

26 be zealous to be found by him without spot or blemish (2 Pet 3:14)

27 godliness (4x; 1 Tim 4:8; 6:11; 2 Pet 1:6; 3:11)

28 an example in speech (1 Tim 4:12)

29 conduct (1 Tim 4:12)

30 purity (1 Tim 4:12)

31 purified your souls by your obedience to the truth (1 Pet 1:22)

32 virtue (2 Pet 1:5)

33 self-control (2 Pet 1:6)

34 steadfastness (2 Pet 1:6)

35 service (Rev 2:19)

36 patience / patient endurance (Heb 6:12; Rev 2:19)

37 public reading of scripture (1 Tim 4:13)

38 preaching (1 Tim 4:13)

39 teaching (1 Tim 4:13)

40 love your enemies (Lk 6:35)

41 love . . . your neighbor / others as yourself. (14x; Lk 10:27; Rom 13:8-9; 1 Thess 3:12; 5:8; 1 Tim 4:12; 6:11; Heb 6:10; 10:24; 1 Pet 1:22; 2 Pet 1:7; 1 Jn 3:14; 4:16; 2 Jn 1:6; Rev 2:19)

42 loving God (4x; 1 Cor 2:9; Jas 1:12; 2:5; Jude 21)

43 love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind (Lk 10:27)

44 do[es] / done good (6x; Lk 6:35; Jn 5:29; Rom 2:10; Gal 6:10; Eph 6:8; 1 Tim 6:18)

45 deeds / good deeds (3x; 1 Tim 6:18; 1 Pet 1:17; Rev 14:13)

46 bear / gather good fruit (3x; Lk 3:9; Jn 4:36; 15:5)

47 [fed the] “hungry” (Mt 25:35)

48 [gave a] “drink” [to the “thirsty” (Mt 25:35)

49 “welcomed” [the] “stranger” (Mt 25:35)

50 give alms (Lk 12:33)

51 lend, expecting nothing in return (Lk 6:35)

52 sell what you possess and give to the poor (2x; Mt 19:21; Lk 12:33)

53 liberal and generous (1 Tim 6:18)

54 left . . . [his] wife . . . for the sake of the kingdom of God (Lk 18:29)

55 left houses . . . for my name’s sake (Mt 19:29)

56 left . . . brothers or sisters . . . for my name’s sake (Mt 19:29)

57 left . . . father or mother . . . for my name’s sake (Mt 19:29)

58 left . . . children . . . for my name’s sake (Mt 19:29)

59 left . . . lands, for my name’s sake (Mt 19:29)

60 put to death the deeds of the body (Rom 8:13)

61 suffering with Jesus (3x; Rom 8:17; Phil 3:10; 1 Pet 4:13)

62 made five talents more (Mt 25:20)

63 endures to the end / endures trial, . . . stood the test / tribulation (4x; Mt 10:22; Jas 1:12; Rev 2:10; 14:12)

64 I press on to make it my own (Phil 3:12)

65 toil (1 Tim 4:10)

66 strive (1 Tim 4:10)

67 [get] baptized 7x; (Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Pet 3:21) / born of water and of the Spirit (Jn 3:5; Rom 6:4) / the washing of regeneration . . . (Titus 3:5) / our bodies washed with pure water (Heb 10:22)

68 “eat” [Jesus’] “body” / “flesh” (Jn 6:50-51, 6:54, 57-58) / “drink” [Jesus’] “blood” [Eucharist] 7x; (Jn 6:54, 57)

69 the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. [ordination] (1 Tim 4:14)

70 through bearing children [in] love, holiness (1 Tim 2:15)

Most Repeated Themes

Loving Others as Ourselves: 14

Works: 12

Baptism: 7

Eucharist: 7

Doing Good: 6

Keeping Commandments: 5

What We’ve Done: 4

Enduring Trials to the End: 4

Loving God: 4

Godliness: 4

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Summary: The Protestant “pillar” of “faith alone” is one of its most unbiblical beliefs (right up there with sola Scriptura). I document 70 different works that the NT describes as salvific.