“GOOD WORKS” are not a requirement for salvation, but “GOOD WORKS” are the fruits of a man’s salvation. They are not “means” of salvation but “results” of salvation.
We express our “GOOD WORKS” not because we want to have favour with God but because we are already in favour with God. We show forth our “GOOD WORKS” not to be saved but because we are saved. It is in us to do good works, we are created and ordained for good works; The “GOOD WORKS” of a believer is a boast in God and what Christ did for us, not in self.
Ephesians 2: 8 – 9 [KJV]
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest anyman should boast.
Ephesians 2: 10 [KJV]
For we are workmanship created in Christ Jesus UNTO GOOD WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should work in them.
The scripture in verse 10 actually consummates the scriptures in verses 8 and 9 of Ephesians Chapter 2
That is … Salvation is “NOT OF WORKS”, but “UNTO GOOD WORKS”
An unbeliever places his “FAITH” in Christ to be saved, but a believer shows forth his “GOOD WORKS” because they are the expressions of his “FAITH” in Christ. God does not accept good works from an unbeliever as a means of salvation; what saves a sinner is Christ’s substitutionary work; but He remembers and rewards good works of a believer.
A sinner “WORKS FOR” his salvation by his “good works”, a believer “WORKS OUT” his salvation because of the goodness of God shown towards him. We are not meant to Work For, but to “Work Out”.
“Good works” without faith in Christ are “DEAD WORKS”, “Good works” with faith in Christ are “FRUITFUL WORKS”. Only fruitful works will abide.
Colossians 1: 10 [KJV]
That ye mighty walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, BEING FRUITFUL IN EVERY GOOD WORK, and increasing in the knowledge of God:
God’s intention for us isn’t just to perform some good works but to be fruitful in every good work.
There are two kinds of judgments – The great white throne judgement and the judgement seat of Christ. The former is to judge all “works without Faith in Christ” and the latter is to judge all “Good works done in faith in Christ”.
The judgement seat of Christ is also be called “the reward seat of Christ”. It is a judgement seat for rewards not for condemnation. In heaven, “all good works in Christ” – labours, contribution, service, faithfulness, honour, sacrifice, giving, service etc would be rewarded. Heaven is not a reward, it is a place of rewards for the things done in for the King and his kingdom.
1 Corinthians 3: 13 [KJV]
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.
2 Corinthians 5: 10 [KJV]
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive THE THINGS DONE IN HIS BODY, according to that he hath done, whether it good or bad.
I’d like to ask you today; what work are you faithfully carrying out in Christ Jesus? Are you busy working for yourself or Christ? God will not reward you for your college degrees, marital status or for coming to church every Sunday. You will be rewarded for your labour in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15: 58 (KJV)
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
What are your labours in Christ? They are your labours in prayer, in preaching of the gospel, in fasting, intercession, evangelism, mission works, supporting your local church, in giving sacrificially to the gospel, in showing mercy, in succouring others, in help those in needs and more.
We are not saved by works, but we are “saved to produce good works”!
We are not saved by works, but we will be “remembered for good works”!
We are not saved by works, but we will be “rewarded for good works”!
DECLARATION
I am saved unto good works, I faithfully carry out my assignment in the Lord. I am consistent in what God has called me to be and to do. I am joyful in serving the Lord because God is rewarding me in this world and in the world to come, Glory! (Please spend more time to pray in the Holy Ghost)
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
Hebrews 6: 10, Philippians 2: 12 – 13