What does it mean that salvation is a work done for us?

The concept that salvation is a work done for us highlights that it is entirely dependent on Christ's atoning sacrifice and not on our own righteousness or deeds. In Matthew 9:16, Christ uses the analogy of a patch to help us understand that our attempts to work for or earn salvation are futile. Just as one cannot patch an old garment with new material without making it worse, we cannot add our works to Christ's righteousness. This underscores the grace of God, affirming that God's plan of salvation involves Christ fulfilling all righteousness on behalf of sinners.

Furthermore, in Revelation 19:7-8, it is clear that the bride's cleanliness and readiness come as a gift to her, granted by God through Christ. The perfect righteousness of Christ is the only covering God accepts to reconcile us to Him. Thus, our justification is not simply a declaration but a complete transformation wherein Christ's work for us is fully sufficient. Salvation is all of grace, ensuring that no one has room to boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).