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Word meanings
Faith vs Works: Which Saves Us?
In short
The Bible teaches we are saved by grace through faith, not earned by good works. Yet it also says a real, living faith naturally produces good works: 'faith without works is dead.' Christians agree works flow from saving faith; traditions describe exactly how faith and works relate in different ways. Works are faith's fruit, not its price.
What faith means
Faith is trust in God and in Jesus Christ. The New Testament says salvation is God's gift, received by faith and not earned: 'For by grace are ye saved through faith... not of works, lest any man should boast.' Faith is how we receive what Jesus has done.
What works means
Works are the good we do, love, service, obedience, generosity. Scripture is clear that a genuine faith shows itself in action: 'faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.' Good works are the evidence and the fruit of a living faith, not a way to earn God's favor.
How they relate
Just how faith and works fit together in salvation has been discussed among Christians for centuries, and different traditions describe it in different ways, honestly, they do not all say it identically. Yet nearly all agree on the heart of it: we are not saved by earning God's favor, and a true, living faith will always bear the fruit of love and good works. Faith is the root; works are the fruit.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith... not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”
Ephesians 2:8-10 · King James Version (public domain)