THERE ARE WORKS THAT SAVE!  BY STEVE FINNELL

Are there works that are essential to salvation? Yes, absolutely, the work of believing and the work of water baptism are essential for salvation.

BELIEVING

John 6:27-29 Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal. 28 Therefore they said to Him, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?" 29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him who He sent."

Believing is a work that saves. Believing is essential to salvation.

WATER BAPTISM

Colossians 2:12-13 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions.

God does the work when we submit to believers baptism in water. Yes, water baptism is God's work not man's work.

1 Peter 3:20-21 ...safely through the water. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you ---not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience---through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

God does the work in water baptism. Man does no work at all.

Man is saved by works. Man's work is to believe in Jesus the Christ.

God's work is in water baptism when He forgives believers of their sins.

Jesus made it very clear when He said "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved..."(Mark 16:16)

Being obedient to God by believing and submitting to water baptism is not earning salvation. It is not a meritorious work.

THE WORKS THAT DO NOT SAVE

1. The works of the Law of Moses.

2. The works of good deeds.

3. The works of keeping man-made traditions.

4. The works of righteous acts.