What, exactly, was the point of the “Good Samaritan” if not to promote good works, even to those who were not of the same faith or nationality?
How, exactly, can you read the Sermon on the Mount and still believe that works are not important?
"For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become (B)guilty of all." (James 2:10)
"Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God;
because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:19-20);
"nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified." (Gal. 2:16)
We are saved upon the basis of faith in Christ alone, totally apart from works:
"and through Him (the Lord Jesus Christ) everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses." Acts 13:39
"Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." "(Gal. 3:11)
The righteousness of God Himself is only attained through faith, it is emparted, credited to the one who has faith in Christ and that righteousness alone is sufficient to deliver us from our sin:
"What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; "(Romans 9:30)
"even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for here is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:22-23)
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
He (God the Father) made Him (God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2Cor. 5:20-21)
Salvation, justification and God's righteousness ONLY come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, totally apart from works and unless you believe in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation, totally apart from ANY perceived merit or supposed "good works" of your own, you and everyone who rejects Jesus Christ will die in your sins:
""Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." "(John 8:24)
"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:6)
"They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." "(Acts 16:31)