Q. 1. How do you explain in simple terms the relationship between faith and works in salvation?

A. 1. In simple words, the Bible is clear on a number of conditions that are absolutely necessary for the manifestation of faith and works in salvation. These are:

- Faith is the first condition that must be present. [Heb. 10:38, 11:6]

- Good works plays a saving role in the lives of the believers. [1 Pet. 2:12; Rev. 2:2; Mt. 5:16, 16:27, 25:34-36]

- Faith and the expression of goods works must coexist, good works being the fruit of faith. [Jas. 2:14-18, 2:20-22; 1 Cor. 3:8, 15:58; Heb. 6:10; Mt 16:27; Col. 3:23-24]

- No one is saved by faith alone. Faith without good works is dead. A person is justified by the fruits (good works) of faith. [Jas. 2:24; 2:26]

- No one is saved by goods works alone. The good works must be the fruits of faith. [Rom. 9:31-32; Gal 3:11]

- Salvation is a gift of God. Faith has a primary role in that salvation. [Eph. 2:8-9; Heb. 6:1, 9:14; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:4-5; Rom. 3:27-28; Gal 2:16]

And that is how in simple words we are saved through Christ as a gift of God because of our faith and good works.