BIBLE VERSES ABOUT GOOD WORKS NOT GETTING YOU TO HEAVEN KJV
Many people believe that living a good life—helping others, giving to charity, and following moral rules—is the key to getting into heaven. While good works are important in the Christian life, the Bible clearly teaches that salvation is not earned by works. Instead, it is a free gift of God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
If you're searching for Bible verses about good works not getting you to heaven (KJV), this article will guide you through key scriptures that explain salvation according to the Word of God.
Let’s explore what the King James Version (KJV) says about this important topic.
What Does the Bible Say About Good Works and Salvation?
The Bible makes a strong distinction between doing good works and being saved. While believers are called to live righteously, salvation itself cannot be earned.
Here’s why:
- Salvation is a gift, not a reward.
- No one is righteous enough on their own.
- Faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven.
Let’s dive deeper into the Scriptures.
1. Ephesians 2:8–9 – Saved by Grace, Not Works
One of the clearest passages in the Bible is:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
This verse explains salvation perfectly:
- It is by grace (God’s unearned favor)
- It is through faith
- It is not of works
- It eliminates boasting
If good works could save us, we would have something to boast about. But salvation is entirely God’s gift.
2. Titus 3:5 – Not by Works of Righteousness
Another powerful verse says:
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” – Titus 3:5 (KJV)
Notice that even “works of righteousness” cannot save us. That means:
- Helping others
- Religious activities
- Church attendance
- Moral living
None of these can earn eternal life. Salvation comes through God’s mercy alone.
3. Romans 3:10 & 3:23 – No One Is Righteous
The reason good works can’t save us is simple: none of us are perfect.
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” – Romans 3:10 (KJV)
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23 (KJV)
Even our best efforts fall short of God's perfect standard. One sin is enough to separate us from Him. That’s why we need a Savior.
4. Isaiah 64:6 – Our Righteousness Is Insufficient
This Old Testament verse gives a sobering perspective:
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags…” – Isaiah 64:6 (KJV)
Even our “righteous acts” are inadequate compared to God’s holiness. That’s why relying on good deeds for salvation is dangerous—it places confidence in ourselves instead of in Christ.
5. Galatians 2:16 – Justified by Faith, Not the Law
Paul makes it crystal clear:
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ…” – Galatians 2:16 (KJV)
Keeping religious laws or moral commandments cannot justify anyone before God. Justification—being declared righteous—comes only through faith in Jesus.
Does This Mean Good Works Don’t Matter?
Now here’s an important question: if good works don’t get us to heaven, do they matter at all?
Absolutely.
The very next verse after Ephesians 2:8–9 explains:
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works…” – Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)
This shows us the proper order:
- Salvation comes first (by grace through faith).
- Good works follow as the result of salvation.
Good works are the evidence of true faith—not the cause of it.
The Only Way to Heaven According to the KJV
If good works cannot save us, then what can?
The Bible gives a clear answer:
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6 (KJV)
And:
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” – Romans 10:9 (KJV)
Salvation comes through:
- Faith in Jesus Christ
- Believing in His death and resurrection
- Trusting in His finished work on the cross
Summary: Key Bible Verses About Good Works Not Getting You to Heaven (KJV)
Here’s a quick reference list:
- Ephesians 2:8–9
- Titus 3:5
- Romans 3:10
- Romans 3:23
- Isaiah 64:6
- Galatians 2:16
- John 14:6
- Romans 10:9
Each of these verses emphasizes the same powerful truth: salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.
Final Thoughts
Good works are important—but they are not the pathway to heaven. The Bible makes it clear that no amount of kindness, religious effort, or moral living can erase sin. Only faith in Jesus Christ can do that.
Understanding this truth brings both humility and hope:
- Humility, because we realize we cannot save ourselves.
- Hope, because salvation is freely available to all who believe.
If you’re trusting in good works to get to heaven, consider what Scripture says. Salvation is not about what we do for God—it’s about what Jesus has already done for us.
And that changes everything.
If you found this article helpful, consider sharing it with someone who may be asking the same question: Can good works get me to heaven? The Bible gives a clear and life-changing answer.
