How do we know that salvation is not based on works?

The biblical teaching clearly states that salvation is not achieved through human efforts but is a gift of grace. Romans 3:20 notes that no one can be declared righteous by observing the law, and Ephesians 2:8-9 reinforces this by declaring that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works. This pivotal understanding liberates believers from the burden of trying to earn God’s favor through good deeds or adherence to religious rituals.

Instead, righteousness is imputed to us through faith in Christ (Romans 4:5). The nature of salvation as purely grace-and-faith based is essential to historical Reformed theology, which asserts that both justification and redemption are solely the work of God, leaving no room for human merit. Thus, we can be assured that our standing before God rests not on our own deeds but on Christ’s perfect sacrifice and righteousness.