Saved by Grace, but Judged by the Law? (Part 2)

The scripture that sparked this entire discussion for me was Ephesians 2:8-9, the first verse that I quoted in part 1 of this piece, about being “saved by grace through faith.” The very next verse says the following:

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Saved by Grace, but Judged by the Law? (Part 1)

Two central themes throughout the bible are salvation and judgment. Some mistakenly assume that salvation is being saved from judgment, but the scriptures say otherwise. On one hand, the writings of the New Testament make it very clear that salvation is a gift:           

Ephesians 2:8-9

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.

On the other hand, the bible says consistently from cover-to-cover that we will be judged by our works:

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.