What does the Bible say about deeds?
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The Bible teaches that good deeds are the grateful fruit of genuine faith, not the basis on which sinners are saved. Ephesians 2:8-10 declares that salvation is by grace through faith, yet those saved by God are created in Christ for good works prepared for them. James 2:26 warns that faith which produces no obedience is dead, because living faith necessarily bears fruit. Proverbs 16:9 reminds believers that God sovereignly directs their steps, even as they responsibly plan and act. Romans 12:5-8 calls Christ’s people to use their diverse gifts humbly and faithfully for the good of the one body.
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- James 2:26
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.
- Ephesians 2:8-10
[8] for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, [9] not of works, that no one would boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
- Proverbs 16:9
A man's heart plans his course, But Yahweh directs his steps.
- Romans 12:5-8
[5] so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. [6] Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; [7] or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; [8] or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
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