Introduction
Many people have asked, “since we are not saved by good works, then what is the purpose of good works, and the essence of good works anyway? Very good question you asked right there, but in civil society, you will understand that it is good to be good.
Verses that Teach Salvation is Not By Works
Nobody wants to be around someone that is evil, and bad, and just because good works and deeds do not save us does not mean that they are not the right things to do.
These passage from the Holy Bible explains to us that we are not saved by works, and it is important for us to clarify this right here, someone people think that they can be accepted based on their performance and things that they have done, but the Bible is very clear:
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
King James Bible
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
King James Bible
The Purpose of Good Works
I want you to understand that only believers can do good works that will be rewarded in heaven because the works of unbelievers are dead works in the sight of the Lord. Therefore, it is important for Christians and believers to understand the plan of God for their lives after salvation.
Good Works Glorify God in Heaven
The first reason believers are encouraged to do work goods is that it honors our father who is in Heaven, and it gives him joy that His children are fulfilling His purpose for their lives.
Our good works are what we do for the glory of God, and God’s people must understand this well.
Serving the Lord in the church glorifies God
Preaching the Word to the lost souls glorifies God
Giving both within and without also brings glory to the Lord our God.
Our good works are for men to see; it is nothing to God because you can’t bribe God with your works. It only brings glory to our heavenly father in Heaven.
1Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
King James Bible
Good Works Give us Rewards in Heaven
1Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1Co 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
1Co 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
1Co 3:14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
1Co 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Every one of us will receive what we have done in our bodies. Are you serving Christ sincerely? Are you fulfilling God’s plan for your life or you are wasting your time? Salvation is a free gift, but rewards for those who are saved are earned. Are you going to receive any reward in Heaven?
Other Bible References: Matthew 10:42, Matthew 16:27, Luke 6:23, Colossians 3:24, Revelation 22:12
Heaven is not a reward for the righteous, but a gift to those who are willing to receive it by faith in Christ Jesus.
Good Works Justify You Before Men
Comparing Romans chapter and James chapter 2. First of all, we need to understand that Bible does not contradict itself, but rather it compliments each other.
God sees your faith, and men see your work, but lest we offend them, we should use our good works as a means of justification before men.
1Timothy 5:25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
King James Bible
Examples are the believers at Antioch, these disciples of Christ lived in such a way that people watching them were able to identify them with Christ.
Dorcas’ justification before men is also another example for God’s children today to follow, even though she is saved, then she is not contented with just being saved, but also demonstrated her faith through her deeds.
Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
King James Bible
Good Works are Commanded for God’s Children.
Because you are a child of God, you are commanded to do good works. Let’s examine some Bible verses concerning our duty as God’s children to obey God’s command.
1Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Our obedience to the Lord brings blessings as we strive to do good works for His glory, honor, and praise.
Conclusion
We have different types of people in the church:
We have some who are not doing good works
We have some who are slow in doing good works for God.
We have some who are rich in good works
And to those who are slow in good works or who are not doing any good works, here is God’s plan for your life:
Titus 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
King James Bible
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