They did not exclude good works; they also believe in good works. However, the topic here is salvation. And as for your statement, it clearly says that salvation is by the grace of God.
The question now is: is it by faith alone, or by works of faith?
Salvation is by the grace of God, no disagreement there (Ephesians 2:8).
The real question is whether Scripture ever teaches “faith alone” as the saving instrument.
The Bible’s answer is no.
The only time the phrase appears, it is explicitly denied:
James 2:24 — “A man is justified by works and not by faith alone.”
Scripture never contrasts grace vs. works of faith.
It contrasts works of the law vs. obedient faith.
Paul never opposed faith to obedience. He opposed faith to law-keeping as a system.
“Do we then nullify the law through faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.” (Romans 3:31)
Paul’s gospel ends in obedience:
“The obedience of faith.” (Romans 1:5; 16:26)
That phrase alone destroys “faith alone.”
James is not teaching salvation by works apart from grace.
He is teaching that faith which does not act cannot save:
“Can that faith save him?” (James 2:14)
If works were merely optional evidence, James would not frame it as a salvation question.
Even Jesus defines salvation this way:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom… but he who does the will of My Father.” (Matthew 7:21)
Belief that refuses obedience is rejected.
So the biblical answer is neither: • faith alone
• works alone
The biblical category is:
Grace → Faith → Obedience
Or as Scripture puts it:
“He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” (Hebrews 5:9)
Grace saves us.
Faith receives grace.
Works of faith are required for salvation to remain living.
That is the consistent witness of the whole Bible.
1. Jesus: entering heaven depends on doing the Father’s will
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father.”
This is spoken to people who already call Jesus Lord.
So this is after the calling, not before.
Saying “I believe” is not enough.
Doing is required to enter.
2. Jesus defines the will of God as action, not words
Matthew 12:50
“Whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
Relationship with Christ is tied to obedience.
3. Final judgment: entering the Kingdom is based on what was done
Matthew 25:31–46
“I was hungry and you gave Me food…
Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
Those who did good inherit the Kingdom.
Those who did not are rejected.
This passage is decisive: • not about faith claims
• not about works of the law
• but actual deeds of love
4. Doing good is explicitly called the will of God
1 Peter 2:15
“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.”
If doing good were optional, Peter would never call it God’s will.
5. Ongoing salvation requires perseverance in good works
Romans 2:6–7
“God will render to each one according to his works:
eternal life to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory…”
Paul connects eternal life with continued good works.
6. Obedience is required after grace is received
Hebrews 5:9
“He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”
Not “to all who once believed,”
but to those who obey.
7. Salvation can be lost without obedience
Romans 8:13
“If you live according to the flesh, you will die;
but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
Written to believers.
Ongoing obedience matters.
8. Why “not by works” exists (right context)
Ephesians 2:8–9
“By grace you have been saved… not by works.”
This refers to: • forgiveness of past sins • entering grace • removing boasting
But Paul immediately adds:
Ephesians 2:10
“Created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared that we should walk in them.”
“Not by works” applies to initial calling,
not to the Christian walk.
9. James confirms salvation after the calling needs works
James 2:14
“Can that faith save him?”
James 2:26
“Faith without works is dead.”
Dead faith cannot save — not before, not after.
10. Simple biblical conclusion
• We are saved by grace, not earned
• But we enter and remain by doing God’s will
• Good works are necessary, not optional
• “Not by works” cancels boasting — not obedience
Or in Jesus’ own words:
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love.” (John 15:10)
Grace begins salvation.
Doing God’s will determines entry.
Persevering in good works keeps faith alive.
That is the full biblical picture.
PH