The meaning and value of work

If Ephesians 2:8-10 could be understood by all Christians, most controversies about works would be avoided. That passage mentions works twice, once in verses 8 and 9 (“It is by grace you have been saved … not by works, so that no one can boast”) and once in verse 10 (“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works”). The first verses refer to justification, and in justification, works are excluded. No one can be “saved” (in the sense of justified) by human works. In Galatians, Paul even pronounces a curse on anyone who would dare to teach differently (Galatians 1:8-9). On the other hand, in verse 10, Paul speaks about works to be done by one who has already been justified, and in this case, works are absolutely necessary, for they are ordained by God for all who are born again. If there are no works, there is no new life. A sincere profession of faith followed by a changed life with good works, not a mere profession alone, is the only real proof of a person’s salvation. (See also Romans 11:6; Galatians 2:16; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:4-8; James 2:14-18; 2 Peter 1:5-11.) - BsfInternational.org