Menkato V Awomi
Dimapur Nagaland
A deep debate has echoed across the global Christian community since decade, "are we saved by our good works, or are we saved by faith?" This has not only been a theological question but a point of spiritual identity. The question reaches into the very heart of the Gospel. And this debate has also found fertile ground here in Nagaland.
Though Nagaland is known as a Christian state, rich in church traditions, cultural heritage, and moral values, it has perhaps unintentionally often leaned toward the idea that salvation must be earned through good works. It’s not uncommon to hear people equate Christian living with being morally upright, doing good deeds, faithfully giving tithes, and regularly attending church, all in the hope that these actions secure their place in heaven. But is that what Scripture teaches?
Let us go straight to the Bible. In Ephesians 2:8–10, the Apostle Paul makes this foundational truth crystal clear:
For it is by grace 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. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
This is the heart of the Gospel: We are saved by grace, through faith not by works. Salvation is not something we achieve; it is something we receive. It is God’s gift, not our reward. It is offered through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross and can only be accessed through trusting in Him.
Grace First, Works Follow
It is crucial that we understand the divine order in this passage. We are saved first by grace, through faith and then we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Salvation precedes good works. The works are not the cause of salvation but the evidence and fruit of it.
There is no verse in the Bible that teaches salvation is earned through good deeds. On the contrary, Scripture teaches again and again that salvation is a free gift. Romans 6:23 says, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Notice again: eternal life is a gift, not a wage. It cannot be earned, no matter how many religious duties we perform.
Yet, the question remains: If good works don’t save us, are they meaningless? Certainly not. Good works matter but they are a result of salvation, not the means to obtain it.
The Confusion in Our Churches
Sadly, many sincere believers in Nagaland have grown up hearing that being a good person giving faithfully, helping others, praying daily is what will earn them salvation. In some church settings, tithes, offerings, and moral behavior are even subtly used as measuring sticks for righteousness. Over time, these ideas have shaped an entire belief system, convincing many that unless they do enough, they cannot be saved.
This confusion has taken deep root. And when the true light of the Gospel the message of grace is preached, people struggle to accept it. Why? Because they have been hardened by teachings that mix grace with merit, that blur the line between works and faith.
Let us be clear: God’s Word never contradicts itself. If salvation is a gift, then it cannot be earned. And if it must be earned, then it is no longer a gift.
The Purpose of Good Works
The Bible says in Isaiah 64:6, All our righteous acts are like filthy rags before we come to Christ. That means that without Christ, no matter how noble or moral our actions seem, they are stained by sin and self. But once we are born again, a radical change happens: God puts a new heart and new desires in us. The Holy Spirit compels us to live righteously not to maintain our salvation, but to reflect it.
Paul explains this beautifully in Ephesians 2:10: We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. The moment we are saved, we become a new creation in Christ, and good works begin to flow not as an attempt to earn God’s approval, but as a loving response to His mercy. And most importantly, these good works are prepared by God in advance for us to do.
Also note the distinction between salvation and reward. Salvation is not a reward for good behavior it is a gift. Rewards in heaven, however, are given for faithful service after salvation. If we confuse the two, we end up trying to earn salvation and missing the very reward we’re called to receive.
A Simple Illustration
Let’s make it practical.
Imagine someone walking into a bank and saying, “Please deposit my money.” The bank will ask, “Do you have an account with us?” You can’t deposit anything unless you first open an account. Similarly, we cannot store up any heavenly reward unless we first have salvation through Christ. Salvation is like opening a spiritual account. Only then can your good works carry eternal value.
Without being born again without that spiritual account being opened your efforts may be noble, but they cannot save you. You must first be secured in Christ, and then your works become meaningful in the kingdom of God.
What About James—“Faith Without Works is Dead”?
Some may quote James 2:17: Faith without works is dead. This verse is often misinterpreted as support for works-based salvation. But James is not contradicting Paul. Instead, he is affirming that true faith always produces visible change. He is challenging those who claim to have faith but live unchanged lives.
In fact, James goes on to say: You have faith; I have deeds. Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. (James 2:18)
He isn’t saying we are saved by works he is saying that real faith cannot be hidden. It produces fruit. Just as a healthy tree naturally bears fruit, a saved person naturally does good works not out of obligation, but out of transformation.
A Word to the Sincere but Misled
There are many sincere people in our churches who genuinely seek God. They love Him, serve Him, and live morally. But sincerity alone does not equal salvation. Even Cornelius, the Roman centurion in Acts 10, was devout and gave generously to the poor. His prayers and gifts reached heaven but he still needed to hear the Gospel from Peter. God made it clear that even the best of human efforts cannot replace the saving power of Jesus Christ.
Like Cornelius, many today are faithful in religious activities but are still not born again. They are worshiping with zeal but without the assurance of salvation. And God is calling them today not to stop their good works but to first come to Christ and receive the free gift of salvation.
Come to the Light of the Gospel
The Word of God is clear. The Cross of Jesus Christ is enough. There is nothing more to be added to it. We are not saved by our works. We are saved by grace through faith, and once we are saved, our lives will naturally begin to reflect the goodness of God through our actions.
Let us not be like the Galatians, to whom Paul wrote: Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? (Galatians 3:3)
Let us not begin with grace and end up in works.
If you hear His voice today, calling you away from striving and into resting in Christ, do not harden your heart. Come to Him. Lay down your self-effort. Receive His grace. And once you are secured in His love, then let your good works flow not for salvation, but from salvation.
Because in the end, Jesus is not looking for your effort; He is offering His own.
