Root or Fruit

I had a conversation with a "Christian" the other day, one who is a part of one of the largest denominations. It isn't easy to discuss the gospel with those of other religions, and this denomination believes there is more to the gospel than salvation through faith alone. So it would help if you were gently specific when pointing out the ideological differences backing your assertions with scripture when you have these discussions.

If we add anything to the gospel, we deny the gospel. If we say that Christ saved us by faith plus works, we then erase the necessity of Christ's sacrifice. If I am to contribute to my salvation by works, my salvation relies on my actions—the actions of an inherent sinner incapable of righteousness without Christ. This places works at the root of salvation, eliminating the gospel; there is no gospel, no good news. Yet those of this denomination will argue it without end. We place works as a fruit of salvation. In chapter 2, verse 17, James writes, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." This scripture specifically tells us that works are not added to faith to be saved but accompany faith as evidence of salvation. Getting this wrong produces an incorrect understanding of the gospel.

Not on My Own

I would fail if I were required to give one-half of one percent towards my salvation. That is why God's redemption plan called for Christ's sacrifice. The Godhead knew we could not do it on our own. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul wrote, "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." Understanding this point is why we must read the Bible. The answers to your questions exist in scripture.

Do You Use Cherries?

Another problem is that some people "cherry-pick" scripture intentionally or accidentally through a lack of knowledge to support their assertions. An example of this would be James 2:18. If I said to you, James said, "But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." I could say, "See, I have works, and you have faith. I can show you my works are tied to faith, so there, faith plus works are required for Christ to save us." However, this statement is inherently wrong when you add the following verses, "But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?" (James 2:18-21ESV). We have faith, but faith alone without the fruit of works, not the root of works, is useless. It is empty faith.

But God

We are incapable of saving ourselves. Only those enabled by God, his elect, will be saved. We know some will never bend a knee to Christ. God's selection is a selection; He does not make it through clairvoyance. Please do not add or subtract from the gospel. When we embarrass ourselves with our errors, we deny Christ; we erase His work. Understand we are saved by faith alone, in Christ alone, by grace alone, through scripture alone, all for the glory of God alone. Praise be to Christ Jesus. Blessings!