Persevering in Works to Be Saved Is Unbiblical

1. Faith and works are mutually exclusive in salvation.

Salvation is either by grace or by works—it cannot be both. To mingle them is to corrupt the gospel.

Romans 11:6 |“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”

Grace is a gift. When person attempts to earn it, it ceases to be grace.

2. Scripture explicitly declares that works cannot save.

God has already said it plainly:

Romans 4:5 | “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

Faith alone lays hold of Christ. Works add nothing to salvation.

3. To add works is to diminish the sufficiency of Christ’s cross.

If salvation depends on our perseverance in works, then Christ’s sacrifice was not enough. But His blood fully satisfied God’s wrath.

Titus 3:5 | “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”

We are saved by His mercy, not our merit.

4. Works do not automatically follow salvation.

If works were guaranteed, God would not need to command obedience. Scripture testifies that some believers remain carnal.

1 Corinthians 3:1–3 | “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ... For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?”

Clearly, one can be saved and yet walk carnally.

Conclusion

To make salvation dependent on perseverance in works is to preach “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6–9). Christ alone saves. His blood alone justifies. His resurrection alone secures eternal life.

Ephesians 2:8–9 — “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

🔥 True salvation rests on Christ alone. Works are profitable for men, but powerless to save a soul.