Those who teach that any effort on the part of a Christian is ‘works’, and that ‘works’ void our salvation, are misleading people. Here are some passages from Scripture that should demonstrate that self-will and effort ARE required, on our part:

‘ . . . that they should repent and turn to God, and DO WORKS MEET FOR REPENTANCE.’ (Acts 26:20)

‘ . . . BE DILIGENT that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.’ (2 Peter 3:14)

‘Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, LET US CLEANSE OURSELVES from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, PERFECTING HOLINESS in the fear of God.’ (2 Corinthians 7:1)

‘ . . . WORK OUT your own salvation with fear and trembling.’ (Philippians 2:12)

‘ . . . for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now YIELD YOUR MEMBERS servants to righteousness unto holiness.’ (Romans 6:19)

‘ . . . PUT OFF concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And BE RENEWED in the spirit of your mind; And that ye PUT ON the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.’ (Ephesians 4:22-24–and more in verses 25-32)

‘[This] I say then, WALK in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.’ (Galatians 5:16)

‘But thou, O man of God, FLEE these things; and FOLLOW AFTER righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. FIGHT the good fight of faith, LAY HOLD ON eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.’ (1 Timothy 6:11-12)

A correct interpretation of Ephesians 2:8-9 . . .

‘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.’

. . . is that none of us can stand before God as righteous, based on our works. Yet, in the VERY NEXT VERSE (!) we are told that:

‘For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.’ (Ephesians 2:10)