Salvation is by Faith Alone

​I recently saw a non-scientific survey on a Christian Theology forum polling people on their understanding of Salvation, as in deliverance from hell.  The choices were basically that salvation is either by faith alone in Jesus Christ or some combination of faith and good works.  9 out of 10 people participating went with Faith plus works.  Stating good works were either a requirement or were the evidence/proof of faith.  No definition for faith or good works was given so there is no way to know what was meant by good works.  However, we do have enough data to conclude the majority of people responding do not understand what faith is. 
 
The Biblical definition of faith is being persuaded that something is true.  Another way of putting it would be believing a proposition is true.   The earth is a sphere, true or false?  If you say true then you’re accepting as factually correct the proposition that the earth is a sphere.   Jesus Christ once presented the following proposition to Martha, a woman whose brother had recently died.    
 
John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (NKJV)
 
Martha answered yes and then a few minutes later Jesus Christ restored Lazarus, her brother, to life.  Notice there is no mention of works or merit in the Lord’s proposal.  He only said believe.  Now, Lazarus was already dead at least physically.  He lived but was separated from his physical body.  Which is why Jesus had said He was also the resurrection.  Lazarus had believed in Jesus Christ for everlasting life long before this day when Jesus raised his body back to life. 
 
In all the examples of Jesus Christ telling anyone how to receive everlasting life being good, doing good works is never mentioned.  Check it out for yourself: John 3:16, 4:10-14, 5:24 and 11:25-26.  We also have the testimony of Abraham, King David, the Apostles Peter and Paul to back up what Christ had said even though their word is not needed.  Jesus Christ is God and cannot lie.  So why do so many people still say good works are needed?  I suspect it is because they lack faith.  They really don’t believe Jesus Christ’s words.  Let’s face it there are many very persuasive Bible teachers, pastors and TV evangelists out there making the case for earning your salvation. 
 
My advice is to stick with the author of salvation’s words.  The one who is the Way, the Truth and the Life, Jesus Christ.