Spurgeon - Salvation by works, a criminal doctrine

It seems like some speak from both sides of their mouths. They argue we can't be saved by faith without works to go along with it, that Ephesians 2:8-9 doesn't really mean what we think it means, then turn around and say they don't know anyone who teaches justification by works. Sounds like doublespeak or something.

(James 2:14) What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

(James 2:15) If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

(James 2:16) And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

(James 2:17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

(James 2:18) Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

(James 2:19) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

(James 2:20) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

(James 2:21) Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

(James 2:22) Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

(James 2:23) And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

(James 2:24) Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

(James 2:25) Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

(James 2:26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

(1 John 2:3) And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

(1 John 2:4) He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

(1 John 2:5) But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

(1 John 2:6) He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

(1 John 2:7) Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

(1 John 2:8) Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

(1 John 2:9) He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

(1 John 2:10) He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

(1 John 2:11) But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

(1 John 2:12) I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

(1 John 2:13) I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

(1 John 2:14) I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

(1 John 2:15) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

(1 John 2:16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

(1 John 2:17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

That in no way means that those works save us, since we have plenty of Scripture that say they don't.

Salvation produces the works, not vice versa.

*Scott_LaFrance tears that little sliver of paper out of his bible and throws the rest of it in the garbage.*

Thanks for the tip. That thing was getting heavy lugging around everywhere. I can just tuck this neatly in my wallet.

Me neither. I guess the moderators can close the thread now.

So then you do not see church rituals or good works as being necessary to be saved?

As my father often says, "BEWARE OF HOOP JUMPING CHRISTIANS!"

When the key factor is placed on us, there are only two possible results:
1. A terror of the conscience
2. Pride, condemnation - a little Pharisee.

# 1 happens if the person has the humility to realize their inadaquacies and failures
# 2 happens if the person has the ego to believe they are good enough.


Acts 16:30, "Sirs, what must we do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in Jesus and you will be saved."


Acts 10:43, "Everyone who believes in Him receives the forgiveness of sins through His name."


John 3:16, "...that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but has everlasting life."


Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God."


Sola Gratia, Solus Christus, Sola Fide. Soli Deo Gloria!


- Josiah


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Some here are disagreeing that we are saved BY our works

He meant in that verse.