Salvation through works is the
primarily Christian belief that you can be saved by doing works.
It can be stated in this way:
"If I do certain things, I can make up for my sins, and get to Heaven."
There are a few ways in which salvation through works is expressed:
- Good works. "If I do enough good works, I'll get to heaven."
This variation is, however, quite contrary to one of the major beliefs of Christianity: That we have all fallen short of perfection, and therefore need outside help (courtesy of this guy we call Christ) to get to Heaven.
The belief of salvation through works says that if you work in the right way, you can reach perfection.
- Special Works. "If I perform this particular task/action(s), then I will be allowed into Heaven."
This one is a little more interesting. For instance, what about communion or baptism?
My opinion is that such acts are often a Good Thing, but independent of one's salvation. No one has shown me scripture that indicates either is necessary to salvation, and I find it difficult to believe that the same God who says that salvation is available to everyone would also require one to perform some special rite to have a chance at heaven.
There are other opinions, of course, and I'm much closer to Protestantism than Catholicism. Even so, I doubt that any Christian sect would declare someone in clear posession of faith unworthy of entry to heaven.
The overall theme here? Works are fine and dandy, except when they get in the way of one's salvation. And for some people, works get in the way of salvation.
The opposing view is that of salvation through faith.
Note that this doesn't mean you shouldn't do works - quite the contrary, you ought to. It just means that they aren't your ticket to heaven.
UPDATE: Well, see to the right.
Deborah909 kindly pointed out the
lack of generalness in this
node. I was focused more on those
people who think exactly what I described under the
good works heading. Apparently, there's more. Uh oh.
I think my bias is showing. I'm not actually a member of either of the churches she lists. However, she has brought up a
valid point or
two.
So I changed things.
Thanks, Deborah909, and sensei, for your comments.