Are We Saved by Works or Grace?

Few questions are more important—or more misunderstood—than this one.

How a person answers “Are we saved by works or by grace?” shapes how they view God, Jesus, obedience, fear, assurance, and even their own worth. For many Jehovah’s Witnesses, salvation is closely tied to endurance, obedience, and remaining faithful to an organization. But what does the Bible itself actually teach?

Let’s look carefully and honestly at Scripture.

Why This Question Matters So Much

If salvation is earned by works, then peace with God is never secure. There is always more to do, more to prove, and more to fear.

But if salvation is a gift of grace, then obedience flows from love—not pressure. The difference is not small. It changes everything.

The Bible does not leave us guessing.

What the Bible Says About Grace

One of the clearest passages in Scripture is this:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
— Ephesians 2:8–9

This passage makes three things unmistakably clear:

1. Salvation is by grace

2. It is received through faith

3. It is not earned by works

Grace means unearned favor. A gift cannot be earned—if it were, it would no longer be a gift.

But What About Obedience?

This is often where confusion begins.

The Bible absolutely teaches obedience. Jesus said:

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” — John 14:15

But notice the order:

• Love comes first

• Obedience follows as a result

Obedience is evidence of salvation—not the cause of it.

Paul explains this clearly:

“We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
— Ephesians 2:10

Good works matter—but they come after salvation, not before it.

Works Cannot Save—And Never Could

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly shows that human effort cannot bridge the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God.

“By works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight.”
— Romans 3:20

“If righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.”
— Galatians 2:21

If obedience, preaching hours, meeting attendance, or endurance could save us—Jesus would not have needed to die.

The Example of the Thief on the Cross

One of the most powerful examples in Scripture is the criminal crucified next to Jesus.

He had:

• No time to perform works

• No opportunity to preach

• No chance to prove obedience

Yet Jesus said to him:

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
— Luke 23:43

Why? Because salvation is not earned—it is received through faith.

The Watchtower’s Emphasis on Works

Jehovah’s Witnesses are often taught that salvation depends on:

• Enduring to the end

• Obedience to organizational direction

• Loyalty to the Governing Body

• Active participation in preaching

While endurance and obedience are important aspects of Christian life, Scripture never presents them as the basis of salvation.

The danger is subtle but serious: when works become the foundation of salvation, grace is diminished—and fear replaces assurance.

What About James 2: “Faith Without Works Is Dead”?

James is often quoted to argue that works save. But James is not contradicting Paul.

James is addressing a dead faith—a faith that claims belief but produces no fruit.

He is saying:

• True faith results in works

• Not that works create faith

Faith saves alone—but saving faith is never alone.

Assurance Comes From Christ, Not Performance

The Bible offers believers confidence—not constant fear:

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
— Romans 8:1

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.”
— John 10:28

If salvation depends on flawless performance, no one could ever have peace. But if it depends on Christ’s finished work, believers can rest.

Grace Produces Obedience—Not the Other Way Around

Grace does not lead to lawlessness. It leads to gratitude, humility, and a desire to honor God.

“The grace of God has appeared… training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions.”
— Titus 2:11–12

Grace transforms the heart first. Obedience follows naturally.

A Final Thought

The Bible does not teach salvation by works.
It does not teach salvation by an organization.
It does not teach salvation by endurance alone.

It teaches this:

“The righteous shall live by faith.” — Romans 1:17

Salvation is a gift—freely given through Jesus Christ.

And when salvation is received by grace, obedience becomes an act of love, not fear.