Does the New Testament teach that a Christian (i.e., one who has been saved by obeying the conditions specified by the God of heaven) must do good deeds in order to maintain His relationship with God? That question bothers some folks. The question is not asking anything about “earning” a relationship or “deserving” a relationship. The question is asking if the New Testament requires a Christian to work to be right with God. Consider only a few passages.
“…He who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). “Let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). “…Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…” (Phil. 2:12). “They are to do good, to be rich in good works” (1 Tim. 6:18). “In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works” (Tit. 2:7). “Let our people also learn to maintain good works” (Tit. 3:14; cf. 2:14; 3:8). “Faith without works is dead” (Jas. 2:20, 26). “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). “Be faithful until death” (Rev. 2:10).
Bible readers know that this list of verses could be multiplied over several times. One cannot read through the New Testament and not be struck with how often God requires that one “do the things” that He says (Luke 6:46). And it is God Himself who ties His required works with our eternal salvation in heaven. Consider only a few passages.
“He who does the will of My Father in heaven” “shall enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 7:21). “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matt. 25:23). God “will render…eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good…glory, honor and peace to everyone who works what is good” (Rom. 2:6-10). “He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Heb. 5:9). “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).
Again, this list of verses is not exhaustive, but it is a sufficient selection to show decisively that it is God (not man) who demands faithful obedient works “to serve the living God” (Heb. 9:14), as he prepares for an eternity in heaven, where he will continue to “serve Him” (Rev. 22:3).
So what if a Christian does not do the good works that the God of heaven calls him to do? James calls such “sin” (Jas. 4:17), and Jesus identifies such a person as a “wicked and lazy servant,” who will be “cast…into outer darkness” (Matt. 25:26-30). Failing to do the work that God commands of His people has eternal consequences!
It is not “earning” heaven to do what is “our duty to do” (Luke 17:10). It is faithful, required (and joyful) obedience.