The Bible does not teach that a Christian can “earn” his way to heaven by doing good works (Eph. 2:8-9), but it does teach that we are created for “good works”
(Eph. 2:10). Sometimes that might sound confusing. Sometimes folks will lean on the first part of that (verses 8-9, as if good works are not necessary to go to heaven) over the second part (verse 10), and sometimes other folks will lean on the second part (verse 10, emphasizing good works so much that it might sound like they’re earning heaven) over the first part. So, which is it? Where is the balance? Are good works necessary to go to heaven?
These words are found in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Does that teach that “works” are not necessary to be “saved”? Such has often been argued from these verses. But, what do the verses actually say, and what does the balance of Scripture teach?
The Bible says that salvation is “the gift of God.” Does that mean a person must “do” ZERO things to obtain salvation? Think through Scripture. There are obvious conditions that God places between a sinner and salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 10:35; Romans 10:9-17). To say that a sinner can obtain the gift of God’s salvation while “doing” ZERO things is to state something the Bible never states (Gal. 1:8-9; Rev. 22:18-19). God equally places conditions between a saved individual and going to heaven (which will be examined in the next article). So to say that a Christian can enter the gates of heaven while “doing” ZERO things is to state something that is not found in Scripture (1 Cor. 4:6; 1 Pet. 4:11).
So what is Ephesians 2:8-9 saying about “works”? It is evident from reading the Bible (and knowing that the Bible never contradicts itself but only harmonizes to teach the same thing [Psa. 119:160]) that Paul is not saying that NO “works” are necessary to be saved and to go to heaven. The distinction Paul is making has to do with humanly devised works, as if one could “boast” of earning his salvation. Contextually, we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works” (v. 10), so the “works” (v. 9) which do not save us are different from the “works” that Christ has for us. Christ’s “works” for us are necessary to be saved. Man’s “boast”-worthy “works” will never save. And that is the difference.
God places conditions on His free gifts. For example, He told Israel that He was “giving” (it was a “gift”) the land to them (Josh. 1:2, 11, 13, 15), but then He gave conditions to obtain it (Josh. 6:2-5). He defined the “works” essential to obtain His “gift.” God’s “works” are essential for His gifts!