Yes, sinners are saved by works. James 2:24 says, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” The word of God could not be any liner! any man who says we are not saved by works contradicts God. The whole point of James 2:17-26 is to show clearly how “works” – “works of obedience” fit into God’s plan of salvation. James says “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
Many other verses teach we are saved by works. Jesus said “21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21). “13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified” (Romans 2:13). “25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” “and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (II Thessalonians 1:7-8).
An essential as works are to being saved, they alone will not save. No one will ever be able to claim salvation upon the basis of “works only”. Works of obedience are simply a part in God’s scheme of accomplishing salvation for sinful man. But, they are certainly a part and cannot be left out and made fun of no matter how much ranting and raving is done by some preachers. There’s not a man alive that can show otherwise from the Bible; if so let him take up the challenge. We must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29).
Even “belief” is a work according to John 6:29 – “29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” Friend, do you believe? If so, then obey the gospel before it’s too late!