Working through how “works” are defined in Scripture isn’t for the faint of heart. Where one comes down on works defined has led some to question the very inspiration of the Bible. After all, Paul said, “one is justified by faith apart from works” (Romans 3:28). James said, “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17). As a result, many have concluded that Paul and James – two apostles – were at odds. Some tear James out (‘wink’ – Martin Luther)!
But, consider how Paul makes it clear that he “did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom,” (1 Corinthians 2:1)with “words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:13) Just as with many biblical words (e.g. fellowship, priest, joy, etc.), how “works” is defined in Bible terms is critical to resolving this conundrum.
“Therefore St James’ epistle is really an epistle of straw, compared to these others, for it has nothing of the nature of the Gospel about it.”
Martin Luther, Chasing Down Luther Quotes“The epistle of James gives us much trouble, for the Papists embrace it alone and leave out all the rest…Accordingly, if they will not admit my interpretations, then I shall make rubble also of it.”
Martin Luther, Chasing Down Luther Quotes“We should throw the epistle of James out of this school [i.e. Wittenburg], for it doesn’t amount to much. It contains not a syllable about Christ. Not once does it mention Christ, except at the beginning.”
Martin Luther, Chasing Down Luther QuotesHow Scripture answers "How are works defined in the Bible?"
Works defined in the Bible are either meritorious works12410 or works of faith/righteousness678910131719. Meritorious works defined in the Bible are any legal system by which you can “earn” your salvation. We see this several times with Paul’s statements about the Old Law12, Jesus and the Pharisees of the first-century14, and the Judaizing teachers of the early church4. [In fact, meritorious works perfectly describe the indulgences of Roman Catholocism that Luther rightly opposed.]
Works of faith, on the other hand, make no claim to the basis of one’s salvation10 but rather are a result or demonstration of their faith3713161718 – a product of one’s salvation19. Or as Paul would put it, the saved are “created in Christ Jesus for good works”10.
Works of Merit are about the source of one’s salvation. Paul speaks against salvation by meritorious works when he contrasts the Old Law with the Law of Christ123. There were many in the early church teaching that one needed to become a Jew (e.g. be circumcised) before becoming a Christian4. This “work” negated the power of God’s free gift of grace, His Son, adding another “basis” to one’s salvation (when it is only “by grace you have been saved”10). Salvation “is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of [meritorious] works, so that no one may boast”10 (“to boast” is literally part of the definition of “merit”).
Works of Faith are about the result of one’s salvation. From Abraham12, to Noah15, to Moses51118, to Jesus1217, to Paul34689101316, to Hebrews19, to James7, this was always part of God’s condition of salvation, regardless of covenant. Works of righteousness are the “repentance” part of one’s salvation, or what Jesus said, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you”1214. For the Christian, works of faith begin with belief in Jesus17 and must continue to be found, as Paul puts it, “worthy of your calling”16. Indeed, they are the measure by which all will be judged1819 in the end.
Answer built on scripture-blocks below
What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
What should we conclude about what Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, gained? If it was by his deed he was justified, then he could boast, but not approved by God. But we know the Scripture says that Abraham had faith in God, and it was this by which he was considered righteous (before God).
Paul’s argument begins back in 2:27-29 – making the point that obedience comes from the heart (inward), not from some outward symbol or act. He introduces Abraham and the fact that he was circumcised as an example. Here, Paul quotes Genesis 15:6, and further develops and explains this throughout the rest of the chapter (vss 9, 22). This is also quoted two other times in the New Testament in Galatians 3:6 and James 2:23.
Applying Romans 4:1-3 to this question...
Abraham’s work in the flesh [being circumcised] isn’t what justified him before God. Rather, it was his faith, which he points out further in the text.2 While Abraham’s “work” isn’t what justified him (lest “he has something to boast about”), it did show or prove his faith (James’ point7).
He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
He (Abraham) received circumcision as a sign and seal of the righteousness he had by faith while still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all that believe without being circumcised so they too would be counted as righteous. This made Abraham the father of the circumcised (Jews) who are not merely circumcised (in the flesh), but who also walk in the same faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.
Paul’s argument begins back in 2:27-29 – making the point that obedience comes from the heart (inward), not from some outward symbol or act.
Applying Romans 4:11-12 to this question...
Abraham was faithful or righteous before he was circumcised. Therefore, his circumcision didn’t make him righteous, but rather it was evidence or a result of his faithfulness (e.g. “a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith”).
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
God’s righteousness is now clear apart from the (old) law – which the Law and the Prophets themselves bear witness to – through faith in Jesus Christ for everyone that believes. For there is no distinction since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and believers are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God put Him forward as an atoning sacrifice by his blood; a gift received by one’s faith. This demonstrates God’s righteousness because in His divine patience, he had passed over former sins.
Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians making the broad point of equal access to this new covenant in Jesus Christ. All have sinned (vs 23) and all now have access to God’s “grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ” (vs 24).
Applying Romans 3:21-25 to this question...
It is only through God’s gift of His Son that mankind is justified; a gift that is received in faith.
We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
We are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners, and know that it isn’t works of the Mosaic Law that justifies a person, but rather faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, we have believed and have faith in Jesus in order to be justified by faith and not by works in the Law, since that will justify no one.
Paul’s letter to the churches of Galatia – churches that he had established not too long ago on his first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). He is astonished by their quick turning from the gospel due to, in particular, “Judaizing teachers” that required Gentiles to be circumcised (affectively, accepting Judaism) before becoming, or in order to become, a Christian. This was a significant issue throughout first-century Christianity and almost immediately becomes a problem after Paul’s first journey to Galatia (Acts 15). Apparently, there was a “stigma” cast on Christians that had not been Jews first – or not part of the “circumcision party” (2:12), and even Peter is somewhat affected by this teaching (2:11-14).
Applying Galatians 2:15-16 to this question...
Paul is addressing Jewish Christians who are dealing with (and being swayed by) teachers who were saying one must become a Jew first, before becoming a Christian. Therefore, he must reiterate that we are justified (lit. “made right”) by faith in Jesus, not by anything we do on our own.
Paul is directly confronting the “circumcision party” (vs 14) that taught a works-based salvation. Specifically, they taught that Gentiles must be circumcised in the flesh to be a Christian, which Paul calls effectively “a different gospel” (1:6).
See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way that I am commanding you today, to go after other gods that you have not known.
Pay attention to the fact that I’m establishing a blessing and curse today. The blessing will be offered if you obey the commandments of your Lord and God, and the curse will be upon you if you do not obey the commandments of God by turning aside from the way I am commanding you and going after other gods.
The re-telling of the law of Moses to a new generation of people before entering into the Promised Land. Throughout these several immediate chapters, Moses is reminding them that they must keep God’s commandments in order to enjoy the blessings of the land, including driving out the enemies and crops, children, etc.
Applying Deuteronomy 11:26-28 to this question...
God’s chosen people were chosen by His free grace (not from anything they had done), but they still had to obey and not “turn aside from the way” He put before them.
We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
We [Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy] are continuously praying to God about you, thanking Him for your loving work of faith and persistence of hope that’s in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul’s introduction to the “church of the Thessalonians” (1:1), he recalls the events around their first hearing Paul bring them the gospel (Acts 17 during his second missionary journey) and the subsequent word he has received about them from other “believers in Macedonia and Achaia” (vs 7).
Applying 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 to this question...
Paul acknowledges and thanks God for the Thessalonians’ “work” and “labor” to remain faithful.
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
It’s worthless for someone to say they believe but then don’t obey. Faith can’t save by itself. We understand that someone lacking clothing or food isn’t cared for by simply telling them to “be warmed and filled.” We must give them the things they need. Likewise, belief without obedience is dead.
James, the brother of Jesus, is writing a very practical letter to Christians of the “dispersion” (dispersed) when encountering trials and the testing of their faith. He goes on to point out that even demons believed, calling those “foolish” that would consider themselves saved with “faith only”.
Applying James 2:14-17 to this question...
Faith without works is dead – meaningless. This is the same as one “performing deeds in keeping with repentance” that Paul preached.9
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Therefore my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, be diligent, steady, constantly exceling in the Lord’s work, remaining confident that your effort isn’t without purpose.
Paul is concluding his great defense of the resurrection of Christ before closing his first letter to the church in Corinth. Thanks should be given to God (vs 57) for this gift which makes our victory possible. Paul immediately transitions to let them know about the effort underway among other brethern for the collection for the saints in need back in Judea, a work they would engage in for the next year (2 Corinthians 8:10).
Applying 1 Corinthians 15:58 to this question...
Paul encourages the Corinthians to be diligent in their work/labor and remain faithful.
Otherwise, their effort or “labor” (vs 57) could be “in vain”. What’s at jeopardy here – what could be “in vain” – is clear from verse 57. It’s their “victory” (e.g. salvation). God’s grace has made it possible (specifically here because of Jesus conquering death), but the Corinthians would have to work at remaining faithful.
Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.
As a result, O King Agrippa, I (Paul) acted on the vision from heaven and preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and all Judea, and then finally to the Gentiles. I preached the gospel message: that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds consistent with repentance.
Paul has been arrested (21:33) upon his return to Jerusalem after his third missionary journey. He is giving his defense to King Agrippa and recounting his conversion story after appealing to Caesar as a Roman citizen, before being taken to Rome.
Applying Acts 26:19-20 to this question...
Paul preached salvation through Christ together with works of righteousness – the evidence of someone’s conversion, which is exactly what James is saying.7
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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
You have been saved by grace through faith. Salvation isn’t possible because of anything you did, so don’t boast about being saved. Rather, we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand for us to walk in.
Paul is writing to the Ephesians (Christians), and specifically here, Christians who had been Gentiles (vs 11, 3:1). He reminds them of their past lives in sin (vss 1-3) and being alienated from Israel’s commonwealth and strangers to the covenants of promise (vs 12). However, they are now “brought near by the blood of Christ” (vs 13).
Applying Ephesians 2:8-10 to this question...
Paul is speaking to Gentile Christians (not Jewish Christians) to remind them they were saved not based on their own effort/merit (e.g. being circumcised in the flesh1).
Highlighting this to Gentiles was especially important given the ongoing teaching by some that you had to be circumcised in the flesh before becoming a Christian.
But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness. They did not walk in my statutes but rejected my rules, by which, if a person does them, he shall live; and my Sabbaths they greatly profaned.
“Then I said I would pour out my wrath upon them in the wilderness, to make a full end of them.
My chosen people rebelled against Me in the wilderness by rejecting My statutes and rules and by profaning My Sabbaths. Although the person who obeys My rules shall live, Israel did not obey them. Therefore, I [God] said I would pour out My wrath upon them in the wilderness and make a full end of them.
The elders of Israel were coming to Ezekiel to hear the word of the Lord (vs 1), and God, through Ezekiel, recounts all that He did for the people, by His grace choosing them as a people, rescuing them from Egypt (vs 10) to live according to His ways (vss 11-12).
Applying Ezekiel 20:13 to this question...
God chose a people, freeing them from Egypt and giving them a way to live (in other words, extending His grace). Yet, they rejected Him and would not do them (in other words, did not demonstrate an “obedience of faith”.13
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Go out and make followers of all the people, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and teach them to abide by all that I [Jesus] have commanded. Behold, I will remain with you to the end of this age.
The very close of Matthew’s account of Jesus’ life on earth. This address was made to the eleven apostles (vs 16) and similar accounts are given at the end of the accounts from Mark (16:15-16) and Luke (24:45-47).
Applying Matthew 28:19-20 to this question...
Jesus defined discipleship in two parts: (1) being baptized, and (2) observing or doing all that had been commanded.
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Therefore, to the one that can give strength according to the Word and preaching of Jesus Christ — the revealing of the mystery that was concealed for past ages but now is disclosed and through the prophetic writings made known to all people by the command of God — that which brings about the obedience of faith. To the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ, amen.
A prayer to God that serves as Paul’s closing to his letter to the Christians in Rome. This close to the Roman letter notably bookends the phrase “the obedience of faith” that Paul opened the letter with (1:5).
Applying Romans 16:25-27 to this question...
God’s free gift was making the gospel/Jesus Christ “known to all nations” to bring about not faith only, but the obedience of faith (or faith with works as James might say7).
Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever ignores or changes even the slightest of these [Old Law] commandments and/or teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, while those that do and teach them will be called great. Hear me! Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
After beginning His ‘Sermon on the Mount’ by describing the characteristics of a [new] kingdom citizen (vss 2-14), Jesus clarifies that His coming fulfills the Old Law and does not replace it. He continues to give specific examples of how their behavior would need to exceed that of the religious leaders of their day (e.g. “scribes and Pharisees”).
Applying Matthew 5:19-20 to this question...
Jesus points out that new kingdom citizens will have to have works of faith/righteousness even greater than those of their religious leaders.
Jesus further illustrates His meaning by showing that their leaders did works in order to boast about themselves (e.g. meritorious works). The righteousness that “exceeds” would be works that came from a pure and changed heart (e.g. works of faith). This statement is a parallel to Paul’s statement in Ephesians.10
But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.
But Noah found approval by God. These are the generations of Noah, who was a righteous man and blameless in his generation and he walked with God.
After creation, mankind had come to a state “that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (vs 5) and God was sorry that He had created him (vs 6). However, Noah was one that was righteous and “walked with God” (vs 9). Subsequently, God gave Noah instructions to build the ark and “Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him” (vs 22).
Applying Genesis 6:8-9 to this question...
Noah was “a righteous man” who “walked with God”.
Subsequently, God would save him from the flood (God’s grace), but not before Noah built the ark according to “all that God commanded him” (vs 22).
To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
We are always praying for you, that God might work through you in order that you are found worthy of your calling and fulfill every work of faith as you are resolved to do good. And that the name of Jesus our Lord might be glorified in you and you in Him, according to the grace of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul’s second letter to the church in Thessalonica, encouraging them regarding their present “persecution and afflictions” (vs 2).
Applying 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 to this question...
Paul instructs saved Christians in Thessalonica to be “worthy of his calling” by resolving to do good, what Paul calls “work of faith”.
Then they said to him, What must we do, to be doing the works of God? Jesus answered them, This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.
They [a crowd] asked Him [Jesus] what they must do to be doing God’s work, and Jesus told them that they must believe in Him whom God had sent.
Jesus has just fed the large crowd (5,000 men) by performing a miracle and departed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee by walking on the water and calming the storm along the way. The next day, the crowd again finds him, and a discussion contrasting physical and spiritual food ensues.
Applying John 6:28-29 to this question...
Jesus tells the crowd that God’s work is to believe in Him. In other words, God’s work is a work of faith.
Jesus had just told them, “Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you” (vs 27), which prompted this follow-up question from them.
Though I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, yet if he trusts in his righteousness and does injustice, none of his righteous deeds shall be remembered, but in his injustice that he has done he shall die.
When God tells a righteous person that he will live, if he trusts in his own “righteousness” and does injustice, he will surely die and none of his righteousness will be remembered.
God is speaking to the people of Judah through His prophet Ezekiel and making it clear through this section that their individual life or death will be the result of how they live (either unrighteously or righteously). The issue, God says, is “they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain” (vs 31).
Applying Ezekiel 33:13 to this question...
A person who “does injustice” will spiritually die for it, which is the result of one who “trusts in his righteousness”.
The context is that the people believe their way is best and that they will be “okay” in the end, but God is saying otherwise. God goes on to say, “they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain” (vs 31).
Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.
Even though we speak in this way, we are confident of results regarding your salvation. God is just and therefore will not overlook the loving fruit/deeds you’ve done and continue to do in service to the saints.
The Hebrews writer is arguing the “better” things in Christ, contrasting with things from the Old Law these Hebrew Christians had turned from, but apparently were at risk to turn back. He is chastising them for having become “dull of hearing” (5:11) and requiring someone to still need to teach them these “basic principles” (5:12).
Applying Hebrews 6:9-10 to this question...
The Christian’s “work” is what God will look at/evaluate/judge; overlooking the Christian’s “work” would make God “unjust”.
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