Question 33: Should those who have faith in Christ seek their salvation through their own works, or anywhere else?

Answer: No, they should not, as everything necessary to salvation is found in Christ. To seek salvation through good works is a denial that Christ is the only Redeemer and Savior.

Kids Answer: No, everything necessary to salvation is found in Christ.

Key Scripture: Galatians 2:16

Additional Scripture: John 6:29; Ephesians 2:8–9

If you mix faith and works, if you say, “Yes, I have to have faith in what Jesus has done for me, but I also have to add this or this or this, or I’m not saved,” then you’re saying that what actually saves you is not what Jesus has done, but what you add. It makes you your own savior. The Protestant Reformers made strong Biblical arguments that you cannot mix faith and works, that justification and righteousness and salvation must be through faith alone. I won’t make any more of those arguments; I’ll just say this: Personally, I couldn’t live if that wasn’t the case. I don’t have any hope unless I can get up every day and stand on the bedrock knowledge that my hope is found only in Jesus.

—Tim Keller

Questions to ask: (To help process the truth we learned. Ask yourself, a friend, your group, or your family questions to talk through it together)

• Is there any path to heaven outside of Christ?

• What if I’m really good and deserve salvation?

• What about those who have never heard of Christ?