Bible Verses

The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Good Works Not Getting You To Heaven

Created:
February 9, 2025
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Updated:
February 9, 2025
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Author:
Joseph Cox

Many people believe that good deeds alone can secure a place in heaven. But what does the Bible really say about this? This article explores 50 Bible verses that challenge the idea that good works are enough to get you to heaven.

These verses offer a different perspective, emphasizing faith and grace over actions. They provide a deeper understanding of what it means to be saved according to the scriptures.

50 Bible Verses About Good Works Not Getting You To Heaven

10 Bible Verses on Salvation by Faith Alone

Ephesians 2:8-9
  • "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." — Ephesians 2:8-9
  • "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law." — Romans 3:28
  • "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified." — Galatians 2:16
  • "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." — John 3:16
  • "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." — Romans 5:1
  • "So they said, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.'" — Acts 16:31
  • "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit." — Titus 3:5
  • "And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith." — Philippians 3:9
  • "Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began." — 2 Timothy 1:9
  • "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." — Hebrews 11:1

10 Bible Verses on Grace Over Works

Romans 11:6
  • "And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work." — Romans 11:6
  • "Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)." — Ephesians 2:5
  • "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." — 2 Corinthians 12:9
  • "Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness." — Romans 4:4-5
  • "You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace." — Galatians 5:4
  • "Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into." — 1 Peter 1:10-12
  • "Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began." — 2 Timothy 1:9
  • "Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." — Romans 3:24
  • "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." — Ephesians 1:7
  • "And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." — Colossians 2:13-14

10 Bible Verses on The Role of Faith

Hebrews 11:6
  • "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." — Hebrews 11:6
  • "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" — James 2:19
  • "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." — John 14:1
  • "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." — Romans 10:9
  • "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." — 1 John 5:13
  • "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus." — Galatians 3:26
  • "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him." — Ephesians 3:12
  • "And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty." — 1 Corinthians 15:14
  • "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'" — Romans 1:17
  • "For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake." — Philippians 1:29

10 Bible Verses on Righteousness Through Christ

2 Corinthians 5:21
  • "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." — 2 Corinthians 5:21
  • "Even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference." — Romans 3:22
  • "And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith." — Philippians 3:9
  • "In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight." — Colossians 1:22
  • "Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed." — 1 Peter 2:24
  • "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous." — Romans 5:19
  • "And that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." — Ephesians 4:24
  • "My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." — 1 John 2:1
  • "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." — Galatians 2:20
  • "For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." — Hebrews 10:14

10 Bible Verses on Eternal Life and Works

John 5:24
  • "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." — John 5:24
  • "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." — Romans 6:23
  • "And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." — Matthew 25:46
  • "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." — John 3:36
  • "And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books." — Revelation 20:12
  • "And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life." — 1 John 2:25
  • "Who 'will render to each one according to his deeds': eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality." — Romans 2:6-7
  • "For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." — Galatians 6:8
  • "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." — Matthew 7:21
  • "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." — James 1:12

What Does the Bible Say About Good Works Not Getting You To Heaven

The Bible offers a clear message about the role of good works in our journey to heaven. While good deeds are important, they are not the key to salvation. Instead, the Bible emphasizes faith and grace as the true paths to eternal life. This reflection will explore these themes, drawing from the verses provided above.

First, the Bible highlights that salvation comes through faith alone. Verses like Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 3:28 make it clear that faith, not works, is what justifies us before God. This means that no matter how many good deeds we perform, they cannot earn us a place in heaven. Faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of our salvation.

Next, the concept of grace is central to understanding salvation. Romans 11:6 and Ephesians 2:5 remind us that it is by God's grace that we are saved. Grace is a gift, not something we can earn through our actions. This underscores the idea that our good works, while valuable, are not the currency of salvation.

Another key theme is the role of faith in our relationship with God. Hebrews 11:6 and John 14:1 show that faith is essential to please God and to believe in His promises. Faith is not just a belief but a trust in God's plan and His love for us. This trust is what brings us closer to Him and secures our place in heaven.

Finally, righteousness through Christ is a recurring theme. Verses like 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Romans 3:22 explain that our righteousness comes from Jesus, not from our own efforts. By accepting Christ's sacrifice, we are made righteous in God's eyes. This righteousness is what ultimately grants us eternal life, not our good works.

How to Apply These Bible Verses About Good Works Not Getting You To Heaven

Applying the Bible's teachings about good works and salvation to daily life is crucial for deepening your faith and understanding. These principles can guide your actions, attitudes, and relationships, helping you live a life that reflects your beliefs.

  • Start your day with a prayer, asking for guidance to live by faith and grace rather than relying on your own deeds.
  • Engage in regular Bible study to remind yourself of the importance of faith and grace. Reflect on verses like Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 3:28.
  • Practice humility by acknowledging that your good works are valuable but not the basis of your salvation. This can help you stay grounded and focused on your faith.
  • Get involved in your community by volunteering or joining a church group. Use these opportunities to share the message of salvation through faith and grace.
  • Encourage others by sharing your understanding of these Bible verses. Help them see that faith in Jesus is the key to eternal life.

Remember, God is always with you, guiding you through your journey of faith. Trust in His grace and let your faith drive your actions and decisions. For more prayers and Bible verses, visit PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.

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