Saved Through Faith (Eph. 2:8-10)

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
(Ephesians 2:8-10, NASB)

If you ask people if there’s a heaven, most will answer yes. If you ask them how you get to heaven, many will answer, “Be good” or “Do good things.” And if the good outweighs the bad, you’ll get through those pearly gates.

While doing good things is certainly important, the Bible makes it very clear: Doing good things (what Paul calls “works”) doesn’t save us. Salvation comes only through faith. God’s grace—His unmerited favor—is offered to us freely, and when we accept His gift, we are saved from our sins and we can be confident of eternal life in heaven.

Good works are still important for those of who follow Christ, however. As James wrote,

My friends, what good is it to say you have faith, when you don't do anything to show that you really do have faith? Can that kind of faith save you? If you know someone who doesn't have any clothes or food, you shouldn't just say, "I hope all goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat." What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help? Faith that doesn't lead us to do good deeds is all alone and dead! (2:14-17, CEV)

But make no mistake, works alone won’t get you to heaven. They won’t save you from your sins.

So if anyone asks you how to get to heaven, tell them the truth. Tell them the good news of salvation through faith. Maybe you’ll be the one who leads them to a relationship with their Savior!