"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." ( Ephesians 2:8-10 )
We are saved by the work of Christ, not by our good works - that's impossible the Bible says. That's why Jesus came to live the perfect life for us; we couldn't do it. ( Romans 3 )
And yet as God's workmanship, God has prepared good works for us to do.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father." ( John 14:12 )
Notice that these verses say, "good works," not signs and wonders. In the Greek the word "work" in these verses is "ergon" translated just that. "Work"
God still does signs and wonders, but the point being here is that we are called to do "good works."
In Matthew 7:22 when the false prophets say to Jesus on the last day, "Didn't we do many mighty works in your name?" The Greek word used here for "works" is dunamis meaning strength, power ability. And Jesus tells them that he never knew them. So signs and wonders aren't a ticket to heaven.
I think it's crucial we distinguish between the two. We are called to do "good works." Again, this doesn't mean that God no longer heals or does miracles, he does. But sometimes we get so focused on signs and wonders and finding God's individual will for our lives that we forget our true calling. We are called to good works.
What are these "good works?"
They are the things right in front of us in the Scriptures: believing God to forgive us when we repent of our sins because of the death of his son, being humble and trusting him for everything, knowing we are completely dependent on him to keep us breathing, clinging to him and not letting go. Those are good works. Maybe you never realized this - I didn't either. And the truth is so life-giving, isn't it?
It's funny because when we realize the truth it makes us forget about seeking God's will for us as individuals because it's only then we find our real purpose and have enjoyment in it. When we lose ourselves.
Loving our neighbor and our enemy. Treating each other better than ourselves. Being refreshed by each other's company. Honoring our parents. Obeying government authorities. Studying the Scriptures. Praying without ceasing. Thanking God in all circumstances. Investing in grandkids and the next generation. Trusting him with our pain.
We tend to think a good work is filling a stadium or starting a hundred orphanages or being a faith-healer, but it's obeying right where we are planted. Even if we become bed-ridden, we can be kind to our care-givers and pray for them - that's a good work. And that is what pleases our Father - doing the good works he prepared for us.
It's the upside-down kingdom of our Lord Jesus who came to serve, not to be served the Bible tells us. A good church is led by a pastor who models this - mine does. Not one with a security detail that is unapproachable and more of a celebrity.
All of Christ's Church together serving others is a better work than he could do limited to just one flesh and blood body. Now he is working through many bodies.
This is why Christians can whistle while they sweep floors and change diapers; because we are doing our good work to the glory of God where ever we find ourselves. We know what matters to the heart of God.
We are not saved by good works, but unto good works. Our good works don't save us; they are the proof that we are saved. This fruit springs out of a grateful heart that is transformed by the knowledge of the grace God has given to us. When we understand this biblical truth it changes the way we live. The Gospel is powerful like that.
God is still working too.
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." ( Philippians 1:6 ) That's our glorious hope in Jesus.
Please don't forget this today.
We are his fellow workers in all that we do - what a privilege! ( 1 Corinthians 3:9-16 )
Greetings from Atlanta!
Happy Wednesday!
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all verses from ESV
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| The Farmer has worked hard on our new raised beds. |
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