Salvation by good works, is an error that is as old as Cain, who sought to bring the fruit of his own labor before God instead of a blood sacrifice. In every age, the natural man clings to the idea that his deeds can secure favor with God. Religions across the world build elaborate systems of morality, rituals, and traditions to offer men a ladder to Heaven. Sadly, this philosophy has invaded Christendom itself, with many believing that church attendance, good works, baptism, or sacraments can earn eternal life. It soothes the conscience by giving man something to do, but it denies salvation by grace and nullifies the cross.

God's Word utterly demolishes this lie. "It is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Paul counted all his religious achievements as "rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own... but that which is through faith in Christ" (Philippians 3:8-9). The law was given not as a ladder to Heaven, but to show man his sin (Romans 3:20). Works cannot justify; only the righteousness of Christ imputed to the believer can. To trust in works, is to build on sand that will collapse under God's judgment.
(The above article was AI generated and carefully edited.)