A Dangerous Misunderstanding
In my later Protestant days (because in the earlier days, I just wore the Baptist badge and really had no idea what it meant to be a Christian), I thought that “good works” meant you go out and do all the good things, the Christian things: feed and clothe the poor, house the homeless, etc. Like many Protestants I knew, I was led to believe that salvation could be achieved by simply (keep in mind that word “simply”) declaring my love for and belief in Jesus Christ, Who died on the cross for the sins of the world and rose three days later. That was it. Simple as that. I heard from this pastor, that online Christian influencer, and other high-profile televangelists that it was that simple. I learned all about how Catholics and Orthodox Christians have it wrong because they believe that, in addition to faith in Christ, those good works I mentioned were also necessary for salvation.
The Protestant argument is typically, “So, Christ’s blood shed on the cross isn’t enough?” Well, yes, it’s enough, but it’s still not that simple.
Unfortunately, from my experience, many Protestants don’t seem to know what good works for salvation means (if you’re a Protestant and you do know what it means, then I’m not referring to you; please don’t take offense). This might seem like a minor discrepancy, but to get this one thing wrong could be the difference between salvation and damnation—especially for the many sincere believers who may not fully grasp this truth.
Before I go any further, I want to make clear that I’m technically considered Protestant. I was baptized in a Baptist church, but I refer to myself as a Daughter of Christ because I have issues with all three branches of Christianity—and I also love all three, too! This article is not about trying to convert anyone or bash any denomination or branch—I love and respect them all and dream of the day we can all join together. I’m not trying to make a case for Catholicism or Orthodoxy. I’m only trying to make a point and hopefully open the eyes of fellow Christians—no matter their branch or denomination—still in the dark on this crucial aspect of faith and salvation.
So, with that said…
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