Many verses state that salvation is by faith alone, not works (Mark 16:16, John 3:18, John 3:36, Acts 16:30-31, Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:20, Romans 3:28, Romans 4:2, Romans 4:13, Romans 5:1, Romans 10:9, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 3:11-12, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5).
However, other verses state that salvation is not of faith alone (Psalms 62:12, Proverbs 10:16, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Jeremiah 17:10, Ezekiel 18:27, Ezekiel 18:30, Matthew 5:20, Matthew 12:37, Matthew 16:27, Matthew 19:17, Matthew 25:41-46, Luke 10:26-28, John 5:29, Romans 2:6, Romans 2:13, II Corinthians 5:10, II Corinthians 11:15, Philippians 2:12, James 1:22, James 2:14, James 2:17, James 2:21-25, I Peter 1:17, Revelation 2:23, Revelation 20:12:13, Revelation 22:14).
Response
Yes, salvation is by faith in Christ alone. However, true faith always produces evidence (or works). A man with no evidence of salvation has no faith.
Some people can have outward works without faith. Many people will stand before God who did God’s work outwardly but did not have a personal relationship with Christ (Matthew 7:21-23). However, true faith always produces evidence, or works; thus, it is not possible to have faith without works. As some put it, faith in Christ is not faith by works, it is faith that works.
Site Under Construction
This site is still under construction. It needs more references, citations, and debate arguments. If you would like to help, please view the community page.