Are we justified by works or by faith?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

The question of justification is one of the primary points where the Coptic Orthodox faith differs from Protestantism. We do not accept the Protestant innovation of Sola Fide (faith alone). According to the Coptic Orthodox perspective, justification is not a legalistic, one-time event, but a living, dynamic process that combines faith and works through the grace of God.

Here is the breakdown of our understanding:

1. Faith and Works Are Inseparable

We believe that faith and works are two sides of the same coin. As St. James the Apostle explicitly states: “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). A faith that does not produce works is dead.

Works do not "earn" salvation in a commercial sense—as if we are buying our way into heaven—but they are the necessary evidence and fruit of a living faith. St. John Chrysostom notes that while the body shares the toil of good works, faith is a labor of the soul, and both require the power of God to be fulfilled.

2. The Role of Grace

Salvation is a free gift from God, but it requires our cooperation (synergy). We are justified by the grace of God, which is given to us through the Mysteries (Sacraments) of the Church.

• Baptism: We are initially justified and joined to Jesus Christ.
• The Struggle: Following Baptism, we must exercise our will to overcome the "laziness of reason" and cooperate with the uncreated energies of God.
• Actualization: As taught by theologians like Fr. Dumitru Staniloae, the grace hidden in us from Baptism is awakened into actuality the moment we contribute our will and effort.

3. The Three Aspects of Salvation

For a Coptic Orthodox Christian, salvation is not a past-tense "transaction." It is understood in three temporal dimensions:

1. I have been saved: Through Holy Baptism.
2. I am being saved: Through the sacramental life (especially the Eucharist and Repentance) and our daily struggle to live according to the commandments.
3. I will be saved: By the mercy of God at the Last Judgment.

4. Rejection of Protestant Deviations

Protestantism often views justification as a "forensic" or legal declaration where God "covers" the sinner. In contrast, Orthodoxy views justification as a real transformation (theosis).

We reject the idea that one can be "saved" by a mere mental assent or a one-time decision. If a person claims to have faith but lives a life of sin without repentance or good works, that faith cannot justify them. As the Holy Scripture says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

In summary, we are justified by a faith that works through love. Faith is the foundation, grace is the source, and works are the necessary manifestation of that faith in the life of the believer.