Misunderstood Verses on Salvation

Misunderstood Bible Verses on Salvation 

Here are the most confusing and often misunderstood verses in the Bible regarding Salvation. 

· James 2:24, James 2:14, James 2:20- Justified by Works Not by Faith Alone 

James is NOT contradicting Paul by saying that we are justified by Works, not by Faith Alone.

James is talking about the dead faith, like the one that demons have. They know that Jesus is God. James is addressing the fact that true faith will lead to a changed life, with a desire for good works.

If a person claims to have faith, but there is no trace of Godly Works, can that faith be genuine? Mere profession of faith cannot guarantee a changed heart.

In other words, the only way to identify true faith is good works.

After explaining dead faith, James himself explains that Salvation is by Faith Alone, by using the example of Abraham's faith.

James 2:23 - “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.”

· Acts 16:31- You and Your family

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

This verse is often misunderstood in the sense that if one believes in Jesus, both him and his family will be saved. This is not true. The verse simply says that you and your family should believe in the Lord Jesus to be saved. Each person's faith is independent of others.

· Philippians 2:12 – Work Out Your Own Salvation

 ^12"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. "

This verse is talking about the good works after Salvation, which would make us more like Christ. Please note that it says “your own salvation”. This is not the free Gift of Salvation offered by God. This is about your own salvation – towards sanctification and Christlikeness. 

Also, Fear and Trembling does not mean the fear of punishment. It simply means that we must continue in our good works with great respect and reverence that the Lord deserves. As Psalm 2:11 says, we can rejoice with trembling. It is impossible to rejoice with the Fear of Hell.

Psalm 2:11

¹¹ Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

All the Bible Verses that are used to support Salvation by Works, are actually supporting Salvation by Grace, through Faith alone. God wants us to be sure of being saved, without which we cannot love Him as He expects us to.