Too often I see Christians creating an unbiblical chasm in the relationship between salvation and good works. I found Thomas Schreiner helpful on this issue. Commenting on 1 Timothy 4:11-16, he writes,
Salvation is ultimately of the Lord, for it is his work. And yet the actions of human beings are significant and crucial as well. Timothy's faithfulness is necessary for him to be saved, and his faithfulness pays a role in the salvation of others. On the other hand, such faithfulness in the life of Timothy is ultimately and finally due to God's work in his life. Both of these strands must be held together and in the right order to grasp Paul's theology. Thomas Schreiner, Paul, Apostle of God's Glory in Christ, p. 284.In other words, our faithfulness is necessary for perseverance and our faithfulness is due to Gods work in us.
