The questioner is thinking of the expression in v 6 where Paul states that God “will render to every man according to his works”, and then in v 7 where he appears to say God will reward patient endeavour in well-doing (good works) with eternal life! This of course would then negate the argument of chapter 11 verse6 where God’s election is on the basis of grace and is therefore clearly not of works and Ephesians 2.5-9 where salvation is plainly declared to be “not of works, lest any man should boast”. There is never any contradiction in the Word of God, and the answer to this seeming difficult passage is found in the wider context of chapter 2 and the supporting statements of other parallel passages of the NT.

Paul is dealing with God’s wrath and judgement in Rom.2.5 (please read the verse). Then in v.6 he amplifies the subject and explains that God’s judgement in that coming Judgement Day will be based on man’s ‘works’. This is because man’s work is the genuine evidence and outcome of his faith or lack of it. If someone has saving faith in Christ his life will be changed, and he will begin to live apart from the sinful ways that once characterised him. He will live a spiritual and supernatural life as evidence he is truly ‘born again’. This ‘born again’ life will then show itself (verse 7) by a patient continuance in God-pleasing service, seeking for glory, honour, and immortality, and will be rewarded one wonderful Day with eternal life in its glorious fulness, when Christ returns. So this verse does not teach that we are saved by doing good – but rather we do good and seek to be well-pleasing to God because we are already saved.

The biblical principle and argument for this is supported by James in his epistle, chapter 2.14-26, where he argues that mere profession of faith without the corresponding evidence of works (by which he means clear evidence of Christian principles and practices in the life) cannot save anyone! “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2.20. Our final destiny is based on our names being written in the Book of Life (Rev.20.15), and that is on the basis of God’s free grace alone of course.

Further light is shed on the subject when we consider a comment made by a preacher from an earlier generation who said, “there can be no such thing as faith that does not issue in works – and there can be no such thing as [God-acceptable] works which is not the product of faith”. Calvin stated, “It is faith alone which justifies, but the faith which justifies can never be alone”! >>

Michael Browne