Works and salvation.

These two verses are typically quoted to prove no works of any kind are required to get saved.

Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV

[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Yet, this refers to only those works that a person could legitimately boast about.

At least one work is required to get saved. But it is a work no one could rightly boast about.

John 6:28-29 KJV

[28] Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

[29] Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Belief or faith is a work required to get saved. Yet, even this work is a gift from God. So no one could honestly boast about it.

Philippians 1:29 KJV

[29] For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

Illustration.

Suppose someone gave you a car, but required you do the work of going to the car dealer to pick it up. Boasting would be nonsense.

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The Bible is a really strange book.

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Clouds without water.