Faith and Works

"Are Catholics saved by faith or by works?"

5 Scripture passages2 objections answered2 Church Father quotes

The Short Answer

Catholics believe we are saved by grace through faith, but genuine faith produces good works. Faith and works are not opposed—they work together. We are not saved BY works, but saving faith is never alone; it is always accompanied by works of love.

Quick Overview

Think of a tree. A healthy apple tree naturally produces apples—not to BECOME an apple tree, but because it IS one. Similarly, genuine faith naturally produces good works. We don't do good works to earn salvation; we do them because we're saved. If there's no fruit, maybe there's no real life in the tree.

Biblical Evidence

What the Scriptures say

James 2:24

"Do you see that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only?"

Why This Matters

James explicitly states that justification involves works, not faith 'only.' This is the only place in Scripture where 'faith alone' appears—and it's negated.

James 2:17

"So faith also, if it have not works, is dead in itself."

Why This Matters

Faith without works is dead—not saving faith. Living faith naturally produces good works.

Galatians 5:6

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision: but faith that worketh by charity."

Why This Matters

Paul describes saving faith as 'faith working through love.' True faith is active, not passive.

Matthew 25:31-46

"Come, ye blessed of my Father... For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat... Depart from me, ye cursed... For I was hungry, and you gave me not to eat."

Why This Matters

Jesus judges based on works of mercy. Those who fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and visited the sick inherit the kingdom.

Philippians 2:12

"Work out your salvation with fear and trembling."

Why This Matters

Paul tells Christians to actively 'work out' their salvation—not earn it, but live it out through action.

What the Church Teaches

Official Catholic doctrine

We are saved by grace alone, through faith, which is expressed in works of love. Grace is entirely God's gift; we cannot earn it. But genuine faith is never alone—it produces fruit. 'Faith without works is dead' (CCC 1815-1816).

Common Objections

Questions answered

Early Church Fathers

What the first Christians believed

St. Clement of Rome

c. 96 AD

"We are not justified by ourselves, nor by our own wisdom or understanding or piety or works, but by that faith through which almighty God has justified all men from the beginning."

— Letter to the Corinthians, 32

St. Augustine

c. 412 AD

"Grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them."

— On Grace and Free Will, 17

Praying to Saints

Purgatory

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