Armstrongism strongly affirms James 2:24, teaching that justification requires both faith and works. Herbert W. Armstrong preached a 'gospel of the kingdom' emphasizing obedience to God's law as central to salvation. Works are not merely evidence of faith (as in Reformed theology) but are salvific in themselves—necessary for entering God's Kingdom.

This emphasizes Armstrongism's distinctive ethics based on the Old Testament law, particularly the Ten Commandments and Levitical principles. The abstention from pork, shellfish, and other 'unclean' foods, as well as observance of God's feast days (Passover, Pentecost, etc.), are viewed as works of obedience necessary to salvation.