The Place of Good Works

[redcliffsw]

http://www.straightpaths.mzbc.com/


THE PLACE OF GOOD WORKS
Devotion for April 24, 2011


"This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."
Titus 3:8.

What is the place of good works in our spiritual lives? Do good works have anything to do with our salvation? In speaking of salvation, Titus 3:5 says that it is "not by works of righteousness which we have done." Good works do not save us. No one ever earned his way to Heaven. Most religions rely upon good works, in some form or another, to try to gain eternal life. However, the Bible is clear that works have nothing to do with our salvation. When good works are mixed with grace for salvation, the message of the gospel is corrupted. We are saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ.

Salvation is a gift and has nothing to do with any kind of works or deeds. However, our Bible tells us that those who are saved are to work for the Lord, saying that, "they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works." Good works are deeds of service done for Christ, by Christians, after their conversion.

Who should be careful to maintain good works? The answer is "they which have believed in God." Every person who has trusted in Christ as Savior, and by faith received His gift of eternal life, should be careful to maintain good works. Serving Christ is not the responsibility of a select few, but it is the duty of all who are saved.

In writing to Timothy, Paul said that these things should be affirmed "constantly." We need to be reminded often that we have a responsibility to work for the Lord. As a matter of fact, it is doubtful that we could be reminded too often. We are to maintain good works. All of us do not serve the Lord in the identical way, but all are to be working. All do not have the same spiritual gifts or calling, but all have a duty to serve God. We never retire from Christian service. There may be some things we cannot do, but there are plenty of things we can do.

And the reason we serve is not to be saved, but because we are saved. There is a vast difference between someone doing religious deeds to find favor with God and someone serving the Lord because he loves Him and is grateful for His grace and goodness. For those who know Him, it is a delight to serve Him.