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If works do not contribute to salvation, how should Christians understand Jesus’ statement about “those who have done good”?

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Many Christian traditions emphasize that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works (e.g., Ephesians 2:8–9). However, in John 5:28–29, Jesus says: >“...all who are in the graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” This seems to associate final outcomes (life vs. judgment) with what people have done, rather than solely with faith. How do Christians who hold that works do not contribute to salvation interpret this passage? I’m particularly interested in how this verse is reconciled with doctrines like *sola fide*.
Asked by So Few Against So Many (6193 rep)
Apr 15, 2026, 08:26 AM
Last activity: Apr 15, 2026, 07:58 PM