What does the doctrine state about the merit of works for salvation?

The doctrine regarding the merit of works for salvation emphasizes that individuals cannot earn or deserve salvation through their own efforts or good deeds. This view is rooted in the belief that salvation is a gift from God, granted by grace through faith, rather than being a result of human actions. The core principle here is that no amount of good works can satisfy the demands of divine justice or merit forgiveness for sins, which is why it is stated that works cannot merit pardon or eternal life.

In this context, good works may be a vital expression of one's faith and a natural outcome of a transformed life, but they do not contribute to one's justification or standing before God. The doctrine underscores the idea that it is faith, not works, that brings a person into a right relationship with God. Thus, recognizing works as beneficial actions encouraged by one's faith is important, but they hold no intrinsic value in achieving salvation.