08/30/2018
We can’t earn our salvation by doing good works, and yet we are saved, and as a result of that salvation we are meant to do good works. This sounds rather confusing doesn’t it? Well on the surface it may appear so, but it is really quite simple. Our admission to eternity is a gift, but once we receive it there will be good things for us to do... not because we must, but as a result of our conversion, and the desire that love instills in us.
“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 ESV
Tonight there is going to be a Christian concert at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. It might surprise you but there is no admission, no ticket to buy or present, and no dress requirement; all you must do is show up, walk in, sit down, and listen while Michael W. Smith and others sing and play instruments as they praise Jesus Christ and God the Father. As a matter of fact you might just have experienced the worst day of your life, but I can almost guarantee you that when the evening is over you will walk out of the building feeling great joy, and that you will treat someone to an act of kindness before you even reach your car to go home... most certainly before the sun goes down tomorrow.
“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
John 15:10-11 ESV
So what will have happened to you that your life will have changed so dramatically; that a terrible day at work, or in some other aspect of your life, will have become such joy? You will have experienced the love of Jesus Christ, and quite possibly salvation. There will have been nothing for you to do, no contribution to make to the effort, no outlay that earns you admission, and yet through God’s grace your life will be transformed, and good works will begin flowing out of you. In the fullness of our joy we will want to share our glow of faith with others by treating them to the love of Christ we are feeling... by some good work. Some will do this with something as simple as a pleasant greeting, some will offer a meal to a hungry man, or a drink of water to someone thirsty, but some God appointed opportunity will have been prepared for them, and they will give of themselves freely, lovingly.
“and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"—and he was called a friend of God.”
James 2:23 ESV
This is the simplicity of scripture as it deals with works. We can’t earn our salvation like we would a paycheck, because God has provided it free to us through His Son Jesus... we can do nothing to deserve it except to accept His offering to us. But, once we have chosen to receive it we can’t help but do good works as a result... we want to please God, and give of ourselves out of the immense love and joy we have received. Our great desire is to glorify God.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 ESV
Opportunities to do good things (works) are prepared and placed before us, not so that we can prove ourselves, or appear righteous in any way, but so that we can glorify God... and the need to do this is overwhelming for the believer.
So come to the concert in Nashville tonight, or walk through the doors of your local church this Sunday, and have an encounter with the living God of all creation, and His Son Jesus Christ. You need bring nothing with you, or do anything to earn admission... just come. It will change you, and through you the world you live in.
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the undeserved grace of my salvation. I thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who lived, suffered, died, was resurrected, and ascended to sit at your right hand. I thank you for loving me so much that you would offer His life for my redemption... without any expectation from me beyond my faith and belief. Now, Holy Father, I offer myself back to you as I seek to glorify you through my words and actions. Help me to do those things in my life that bring you glory and shout of your love and goodness. Place opportunities before me Father, give me those things in my day that offer me the opportunity to show my love for you, even as I love those around me in your name. Call me your child Father, and see me as your friend that seeks to serve you always... not by your command, but by my loving desire. By my own actions I was not saved, but now by them I bring you glory, and I deliver your truth, your Word, and the gospel of Jesus to the ears of many. Great are you my God, and greatly to be praised! There is no work that I can perform that has enough value that I can repay you for what you have given me, so my desire is to love and give of myself in many small ways every day. My debt to you is beyond my ability to repay, and yet you have forgiven it in its entirety. So take these acts of love I offer as tokens, not of repayment, but of my loving admiration and gratitude to you my God. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God of grace and joy, who allows me to work for His glory.
Rich Forbes