We are saved by faith, but we will be judged by our works. 
We get into trouble when we confuse the means of our salvation with the fruit of our salvation. The means of salvation is by grace through faith in Christ. That is HOW we get saved. We have no input in it whatsoever. It is all God! 
However, the fruit of salvation is good works. This is what happens AFTER we get saved. This is NOT how we get saved, but rather, what will be the result of our salvation. And this is what God will look at at the end to judge whether our faith is genuine or not. 
Romans 2:6-8, ”6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.”
Here’s another: 2 Corinthians 5:10, “10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
We make the fatal mistake if we confuse the means with the fruit. Consider this question: If God asked you in the end, “Why should I let you into my heaven?” What would you say?
If your answer is: “You should let me in because I’ve lived a fairly good life. I gave to the poor, I went to church, I never beat my wife…” Then, you are saying that you deserve to go to heaven by your good works. This is wrong. 
However, if your answer was, “You should let me in because I have received what your Son Jesus has done for me – dying on the cross for my sins.” What you have told Him is not complete. God may ask at this point: “Well, what evidence is there that you have received my Son?” 
You will at that point have to point to your good works as the evidence of your faith. 

  • The parable of the 10 virgins points to this – only those who were prepared (good works) got in.
  • The parable of the talents point to this – only those who worked hard to the end were rewarded. 

And numerous other verses in the Bible…
You have received Jesus as your Savior and Lord? Good! What evidence is there for it? 
One of the greatest evidences is that you love those who are of Christ’s. (1 John 3:14)
Go to church this Sunday and love on your brothers and sisters.
PH