How Are We Saved?
The verses they cite — read them in context.
James 2:24
"A person is justified by works and not by faith alone."
Matthew 24:13
"The one who endures to the end will be saved."
Philippians 2:12
"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
When you read these verses closely, is salvation something we earn, or a gift we receive?
Debate doesn’t change minds. If you find yourself arguing, pivot to telling your story of how Jesus changed you, saved you, and protected you.
How Are We Saved?
Grace through faith in Christ — or works within the organization?
Salvation is a free gift received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not something earned by works, organizations, or performance. "By grace you have been saved through faith... not a result of works" (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are justified by trusting Christ’s finished work, and those who believe can know they have eternal life now (1 John 5:13).
Verses Jehovah’s Witnesses cite
- James 2:24: "A person is justified by works and not by faith alone."
- Matthew 24:13: "The one who endures to the end will be saved."
- Philippians 2:12: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
Biblical response verses
- Ephesians 2:8-9: "By grace you have been saved through faith... not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
- Titus 3:5: "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his mercy."
- Romans 4:5: "To the one who does not work but believes... his faith is counted as righteousness."
- John 5:24: "Whoever hears my word and believes... has eternal life... has passed from death to life."
Question to ask
When you read these verses closely, is salvation something we earn, or a gift we receive?
If salvation is "not a result of works, so that no one may boast," what part could our performance play in earning it?