What does the Bible say about good deeds and faith?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that saving faith rests in Christ alone and necessarily bears the fruit of good deeds, not as the basis of acceptance with God but as the evidence of new life. Ephesians 2:10 says believers are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared for them. James 2:26 warns that faith without works is dead, because genuine trust changes how we live. Yet Matthew 7:21-23 shows that outward religious activity without truly knowing Christ cannot save. Believers therefore imitate godly examples, as in 1 Corinthians 11:1-2, avoid disorderly living as urged in 2 Thessalonians 3:6, and trust that God works all things for their good in Romans 8:28.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ephesians 2:10 15 votes
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
- James 2:26 11 votes
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:6 6 votes
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion and not after the tradition which they received from us.
- Matthew 7:21-23 6 votes
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’
- 1 Corinthians 11:1-2 6 votes
Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brothers, that you remember me in all things, and hold firm the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.
- Romans 8:28 5 votes
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.
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