Did Jesus Teach Salvation by Works? A Review -- By: Joseph C. Dillow

Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 165:660 (Oct 2008)
Article: Did Jesus Teach Salvation by Works? A Review
Author: Joseph C. Dillow


Did Jesus Teach Salvation by Works? A Review

Joseph C. Dillow

Joseph C. Dillow is President, BEE World, Monument, Colorado.

Jesus made several statements that seem to suggest that works are in some way related to one’s entrance into heaven. For example in the Sermon on the Mount He told His disciples that “unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20). And He said that only “he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” the kingdom of heaven (7:21). In the Olivet Discourse He stated that “the one who endures to the end, he will be saved” (24:13). When the rich young ruler asked what good thing he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus responded that he should keep the commandments, sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him (19:16–23).

Yet elsewhere Jesus said that faith, not works, is the condition for obtaining eternal salvation (John 3:16, 18); and that salvation is “without cost” (Rev. 21:6). How are these apparently contradictory statements to be reconciled? Stanley seeks to answer this question in his book Did Jesus Teach Salvation by Works?1

Several commendable facts may be noted about Stanley’s book. He is clear that salvation is to be found only in Christ2 and that at salvation a believer is justified, sanctified, forgiven, and receives the Holy Spirit and eternal life.3 He correctly notes that both salvation4 and sanctification5 have present, past, and future aspects.

Stanley argues that salvation should be viewed as both an event and a process. Conversion, initial and final justification, sanctification, (possibly) healing,6 redemption, and endurance are all intrinsic aspects7 of salvation. Salvation is “a pilgrimage.”8 “Salvation in the Synoptic Gospels is understood comprehensively...

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