The relationship between faith and good works is frequently discussed in the Bible, bringing clarity to the misconception that good deeds alone can earn salvation. Scriptures emphasize that it is through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than our own efforts, that we attain eternal life.
In this examination of Bible verses about good works not getting you to heaven, you’ll find teachings that highlight the grace of God and the importance of believing in Jesus as the cornerstone of our faith. These passages reassure us that our worth is not based on accomplishments but on the love and sacrifice of Christ.
Bible Verses About Good Works Not Getting You To Heaven
Ephesians 2:8-9 – Understanding Salvation: Faith vs. Works
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
Related Christian Quotes:
“The Gospel is not about what we do, but about what Christ has done for us. Our good works are a response to His grace.” – Timothy Keller
“Salvation is not something we can earn; it is a gift that God gives to us through faith in Jesus Christ.” – Charles Stanley
“Good works are simply the fruit of salvation, not the root of it. We do not do good works to be saved, but because we are saved.” – John MacArthur
Romans 3:28 – The Role of Grace in Salvation
“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” – Romans 3:28
Related Christian Quotes:
“Justification is a legal declaration by God that a sinner is righteous based on faith alone, apart from works.” – R.C. Sproul
“Grace means that all of your mistakes now serve a purpose instead of serving shame.” – Anonymous
“It is faith alone that justifies, but the faith that justifies is never alone.” – John Calvin
Also read: 35 Bible Verses About Standing Firm (with Christian Quotes)
John 3:16 – Bible Verses Highlighting Faith Alone
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Related Christian Quotes:
“To be a Christian is to have faith that Jesus’ death and resurrection is sufficient for our salvation.” – Billy Graham
“Your faith unlocks the door to God’s grace and mercy, leading to eternal life.” – Joyce Meyer
“Our belief in Christ guarantees our salvation, not our good deeds.” – Tony Evans
Luke 18:10-14 – Misconceptions About “Good Works”
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.” – Luke 18:10-14
Related Christian Quotes:
“God’s grace operates outside of our attempts to prove our worthiness through good deeds.” – Louis Giglio
“Self-righteousness is a disease that blinds us to our need for God’s mercy.” – John Piper
“In the economy of God’s grace, humility takes precedence over public virtue.” – N.T. Wright
Romans 5:1 – Paul’s Teachings about Justification
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1
Related Christian Quotes:
“Justification is the act of God declaring you righteous based on Christ’s work, not your own.” – Bruce Wilkinson
“Faith is the hand that lays hold of Christ, and the heart is the wellspring of faith.” – J.C. Ryle
“Peace with God leads to peace in life, and that peace is rooted in our justification through faith.” – David Platt
1 Samuel 16:7 – The Importance of the Heart in Good Works
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'” – 1 Samuel 16:7
Related Christian Quotes:
“God looks at the heart; it’s the intention behind our actions that matters.” – Rick Warren
“True goodness is an overflow of a heart transformed by Christ.” – Tullian Tchividjian
“It’s not what you do that counts; it’s who you are inside.” – Charles Spurgeon
Matthew 5:20 – Jesus’ Teachings on Righteousness
“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:20
Related Christian Quotes:
“The righteousness that saves us is the righteousness of Christ, credited to us by faith.” – Alistair Begg
“Our righteousness must not be an act, but a response to the grace we have received.” – Steven Curtis Chapman
“A true follower of Christ reflects His righteousness in heart and action, not for salvation, but as a result of it.” – Beth Moore
Philippians 3:9 – The Danger of Self-Righteousness
“And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” – Philippians 3:9
Related Christian Quotes:
“Self-righteousness is the biggest obstacle to experiencing God’s grace.” – Timothy Keller
“When we rely on our accomplishments instead of Christ’s sacrifice, we miss the truth of the Gospel.” – Christine Caine
“True righteousness comes from a heart that is fully surrendered to Christ.” – John Bevere
Acts 3:19 – The Necessity of Repentance
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
Related Christian Quotes:
“Repentance is not a one-time act but a lifelong journey of turning towards God.” – Max Lucado
“It’s not our good works that bring about change; it’s heartfelt repentance and a transformed life.” – Joyce Meyer
“God’s forgiveness comes to a repentant heart, not to those who think they can earn their way.” – D.L. Moody
Luke 10:25-37 – The Good Samaritan: A Lesson on True Kindness
“In reply Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.’ […] ‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.'” – Luke 10:25-37
Related Christian Quotes:
“True kindness is compassion in action; it’s born out of understanding and love.” – Henri Nouwen
“A neighbor is anyone in need; true kindness moves us to act.” – Rick Warren
“The greatest act of kindness is to offer someone the Gospel of Jesus.” – Charles Swindoll
John 3:3 – What It Means to be “Born Again”
“Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'” – John 3:3
Related Christian Quotes:
“Being born again is a radical transformation that happens in a person’s life.” – Billy Graham
“The new birth is the greatest miracle that God performs.” – John MacArthur
“Salvation isn’t about trying harder but about receiving new life.” – Christine Caine
Galatians 3:24 – The Law and Its Purpose
“So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.” – Galatians 3:24
Related Christian Quotes:
“The law shows us our need for a Savior; it is not a means to salvation.” – Tim Keller
“The purpose of the law is to make us realize that we are sinners and need grace.” – John Piper
“Christ fulfilled the law, and through Him, we are given new life.” – Richard Stearns
James 2:26 – James on Faith and Works
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” – James 2:26
Related Christian Quotes:
“Faith produces works, but those works do not save us; they are evidence of our faith.” – Tim Chester
“Authentic faith is evidenced by the way we treat others.” – Francis Chan
“While good works do not save us, they are a crucial aspect of a saved life.” – John Piper
Matthew 5:3-12 – The Beatitudes: True Blessings
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3
Related Christian Quotes:
“The Beatitudes show us that true blessedness is found in humble dependence on God.” – Tony Evans
“Blessedness isn’t about earthly goods; it’s about heavenly rewards.” – Charles Swindoll
“True happiness comes from God’s perspective, not our circumstances.” – Steven Furtick
Mark 10:17-27 – The Rich Young Ruler: Wealth vs. Eternal Life
“As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. ‘Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?'” – Mark 10:17
Related Christian Quotes:
“Wealth is a dangerous thing if it replaces our trust in God.” – Paul Tripp
“Eternal life is entered through surrender, not through riches.” – John Piper
“What you cling to determines the life you live.” – Steven Furtick
Romans 9:16 – Understanding the Mercy of God
“It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” – Romans 9:16
Related Christian Quotes:
“The grace of God enables us to do what we cannot do on our own.” – John MacArthur
“God’s mercy is the foundation of our hope and salvation.” – David Platt
“God’s mercy isn’t just a safety net; it’s the very essence of our redemption.” – R.C. Sproul
Luke 15:11-32 – The Story of the Prodigal Son and Redemption
“‘But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.'” – Luke 15:20
Related Christian Quotes:
“The story of the Prodigal Son is a vivid portrait of God’s grace and forgiveness.” – Max Lucado
“No matter how far we stray, God’s mercy is always waiting for us.” – Joyce Meyer
“Redemption is about going home, not about deserving.” – Karen Kingsbury
Titus 2:11 – How Grace Transforms Us
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” – Titus 2:11
Related Christian Quotes:
“Grace is what transforms our hearts, not the weight of our moral achievements.” – Timothy Keller
“Real change happens when we realize the depth of God’s grace for us.” – John Piper
“Grace is not just the starting point; it’s the sustaining power.” – John MacArthur
Galatians 5:22-23 – The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Related Christian Quotes:
“The evidence of a Spirit-filled life is not just good deeds, but a transformation of character.” – Charles Stanley
“The Holy Spirit cultivates godly character that reflects Christ’s love.” – Joyce Meyer
“True spirituality is about the fruit of the Spirit becoming real in our lives.” – John Piper
John 14:6 – Trusting in Jesus: The Way to Salvation
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” – John 14:6
Related Christian Quotes:
“Jesus is not just one way among many; He is the only way to the Father.” – David Jeremiah
“To know Jesus is to know the way to eternal life.” – Charles Spurgeon
“Trusting in Christ is the foundation of true faith.” – John MacArthur
Matthew 25:31-46 – Good Works as Evidence of Faith
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'” – Matthew 25:40
Related Christian Quotes:
“Our service to others is a reflection of our service to Christ.” – Rick Warren
“Good works are an overflow of the faith we have received.” – Tim Chester
“The measure of our love for God can be seen in our treatment of others.” – Francis Chan
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 – The Role of Love in Good Actions
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” – 1 Corinthians 13:1
Related Christian Quotes:
“It’s not about what we do, but the love behind what we do that truly matters.” – John Piper
“Love is the highest form of good works we can offer as Christians.” – Charles Stanley
“Without love, our good works are empty.” – Henry Blackaby
Isaiah 64:6 – God’s View on Our Righteousness
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” – Isaiah 64:6
Related Christian Quotes:
“It is only by God’s grace that we can even hope to do any good at all.” – Max Lucado
“Our righteousness in God’s eyes is not based on our works but on Christ’s completed work.” – John MacArthur
“Recognizing our unworthiness is the first step toward experiencing God’s extraordinary grace.” – N.T. Wright
Micah 6:8 – Ancient Teachings on Divine Mercy
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
Related Christian Quotes:
“Faith and goodness go hand in hand when they are rooted in love and humility.” – Tony Evans
“Divine mercy changes the way we engage with those around us.” – John Piper
“A humble heart brings forth genuine love and mercy.” – Christine Caine
Philippians 2:3-4 – The Importance of Humility
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:3-4
Related Christian Quotes:
“True humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis
“A humble heart seeks to serve, not to be served.” – Rick Warren
“Humility is the great liberator of life, freeing us to love others.” – Charles Swindoll
Luke 9:23 – The Call to Self-Denial
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'” – Luke 9:23
Related Christian Quotes:
“Following Christ requires a willingness to surrender our own desires.” – John Ortberg
“Self-denial leads to true fulfillment found in Christ alone.” – Charles Spurgeon
“The greatest freedom is found in the surrender of self.” – Rick Warren
James 1:27 – Discerning True Faith from False Religion
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27
Related Christian Quotes:
“True religion expresses itself in love and care for those in need.” – Charles Stanley
“Faith manifests itself in action; it’s about caring for the vulnerable.” – Tony Evans
“Pure religion is functional—it acts out love in practical ways.” – Francis Chan
1 Peter 1:5 – Perseverance of the Saints: Keeping the Faith
“Who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” – 1 Peter 1:5
Related Christian Quotes:
“The one who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” – Philippians 1:6
“True faith perseveres through difficulties, relying on God’s grace.” – David Platt
“Our salvation is secure, held by the power of God, not by our efforts.” – John MacArthur
Final Thoughts
In exploring the theme of good works and their relationship to salvation, it becomes evident that our efforts and deeds cannot earn us a place in heaven.
As believers, we are called to live out our faith in love, serving others and reflecting God’s character in our actions. However, it is crucial to recognize that our righteousness is a gift from God, and our good deeds are a response to that gift, rather than a means to achieving it. Embrace the truth of salvation by faith, and let that grace empower you to do good works, knowing that they are the evidence of the faith alive in you.