by Pastor Travis Lauderbach

Is a person saved by good works?

Absolutely! I know that comes as a shock to a lot of people, but it’s true. A person is absolutely saved by good works.

The Lord says, “You shall therefore keep my statutes and my rules; if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 18:5) One can remain pleasing in God’s sight by works, by obeying God’s Law.

The flip side is that “the soul who sins shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:20) They shall face God’s judgment.

The policy is zero tolerance. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). Jesus says “do this and you shall live.” God requires a perfect standard.

There is no such thing as “basically good,” “doing the best you can,” or even “just getting by.” You either do it or you don’t. One either lives by the Law or dies in their disobedience.

The problem for humanity is that the first commandment is the greatest commandment, but it’s also the hardest for us to keep. So often, I don’t love God as Jesus teaches. I find myself being constantly devoted to other things.

And loving my neighbors, those in proximity to me, as myself? Ha! I could give out a list of names who would tell you I fail regularly. Everyone does.

I must admit that I am a sinner. Anyone who is honest must admit that. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)

In the end, the deserved wages of sin is death, eternal separation from God, who is life.

Clearly, unless one can live a perfect life, no one can be saved.

So then how are sinners saved by good works?

The good works of the perfect life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus, the Lord.