08/30/2026
We can’t earn our salvation by doing good works, and yet when we believe and are saved 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 we will want to do... not because we must, but as a result of our conversion, and the desire that the subsequent love of God 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
Several years ago there was a Christian concert at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. It might surprise you but there was no admission, no ticket to buy or obtain, and no dress requirement; all you had to do was show up, walk in, sit down, and listen while Michael W. Smith and others sang and played instruments as they praised 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 that evening was over you would have walked out of that building feeling great joy, and that you would have treated someone to an act of kindness before you even reached your car to go home... most certainly before the sun went down the next day.
“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 would have happened to you during that concert that would have changed your life so dramatically; that transformed a terrible day at work, or some other horrible aspect of your life, into such profound joy? You would have experienced the love of Jesus Christ, and quite possibly salvation. There would have been nothing for you to do, no contribution to make to the effort, no outlay that earned you admission, and yet through God’s grace your life was transformed, and good works began 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... and this is done through prayer and some good work. Some do this with something as simple as a pleasant greeting, some offer a meal to a hungry man, or a drink of water to someone thirsty, but you can be assured that a God appointed opportunity will present itself, and you will give freely and lovingly of yourself.
“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 our Heavenly Father.
“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 as the Holy Spirit moves over and in them.
So had you gone to the concert in Nashville that night, or walked through the doors of your local church the following Sunday, and had an encounter with the living God of all creation, and His Son Jesus Christ. You wouldn’t have needed to bring anything with you, or to do anything to earn admission... all you would have had to do was to come. It would have changed you that night or Sunday, and the world you live in through Jesus Christ and the love of God.
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.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Amen!
Rich Forbes