Works, Works, Works, and More Works!
- His Servant - Rob McKee
- Jan 31, 2021
- 8 min read
In our modern day and for many generations past, and perhaps since Christ walked this earth: there seems to always have been a great controversy over this word “works”. There are those that claim to be saved by Christ and God with no works what so ever. There are also those who claim that some works are needful for salvation, but others are not. Then, lastly, are those who say that works are very much a necessity, if you want to live out eternity with the Most High. Of course, there is a truth here among these, as always. However, if one version is true (and it is), then the other two are in error. Amen?
The funny thing is, that you really hardly ever hear anyone say that “works” are a necessity for salvation. This being a true statement, then why are there so many jumping all over the subject, as if they are being challenged or otherwise threatened to believe that God does require works? – Like I said, even though, in most cases, they have never had anyone personally challenge this thought? Well, I would like to say this: the Truth does not need to be defended. He is more than capable of defending Himself, if He so chooses. Just remember this scripture, that I often post here:
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
I am here to tell you, that works are absolutely necessary to salvation! That means you, and that also means that I am included, and every other person who was born into this world, or that will be before the end.
Here, today, we will talk about the many different types of works that surround the salvation conversation. Later, if The Lord will, in further studies, I plan to discuss works that do not merit salvation in the sight of God. Then, in the next study, the plan is to talk concerning the works that do merit salvation in the sight of God.
Please stay tuned and hear out each of the ‘chapters’ of this subject and let the Spirit of God weigh in on your thoughts. If you know and follow the Truth, then what are you afraid of? Why would a simple teaching contrary to what you might have heard in the past make you angry? The Lord forces no one to follow Him you know. Knowing this, there is then no justifiable reason for any mature person to act insensible, right? When we listen, we learn. This is true for everyone, including myself!
Before we go any further, I want to ask a question. The question just requires a simple answer, like “yes” or “no”. We can all answer this for ourselves, and no one else is listening to our answer (unless if you want to tell them.) Here it is: do you believe that Jesus Christ walked this earth over 200 years ago to leave us an example of how we should live in the sight of God? Here is what I found in the scripture:
1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps
What is wrong with works? Did you know that Jesus had works?
John 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
Furthermore…
John 10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
What other works might a person be found doing?
John 8:37-44 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto Him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to Him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but He sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. he was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
In the Holy Bible there is reference to many different “works”. Here are many that I found. There are a few that are not in the Bible, but are very real representations of work(s) that are done in the sight of God. There are even more that can be thought of and proven, I’m sure. Can you find them? Of the works mentioned here, you can categorize them into two different groups; these being works that bring glory to God, and those that do not bring glory to God.
Works that bring Glory to God Work(s) of God Work of Christ Work of The Lord Work(s) of Righteousness Works of Faith Work of Obedience “Good” Works Work of the ministry Works of The Law Work of The Holy Place/The Place Most Holy Work of The Service of The House of God Work of the House of The Lord Work of The Tabernacle Work of an evangelist Works the DO NOT bring Glory to God Work of The Service of The House of God Work of the House of The Lord Work of The Tabernacle Work of an evangelist Works of “Dead” Faith Work of Disobedience “Good” Works Work of the ministry Works of The Law Work of the field Work of a Man Work of men’s hands Our “own”works Works of “nought” Works of the devil Works of the flesh “Evil” Works Works of Darkness Work of Error(s) “Work of The Lord “Deceitfully””
We might also say that these two categories could be classified as “Works of The Spirit” and “Works of the Flesh”. I say this, because if they are not bringing glory to God, then who or what are they bringing glory to? Man, of course! This is why the scripture says:
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Notice that some of the works are mentioned twice; in both categories? This is because it matters whether or not God has authored and ordained the desire to perform these works, or if there is another reason, not of God, urging a person to do them.
Did you know that God gives us power to perform certain works that are “good” in His sight? You might also want to recognize that without His power, it is impossible for us to obtain His righteousness!
Speaking of Jesus here: John 1:9-13 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Romans 13:1-3 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same
How do we get this power? Where do we find it? -Through the preaching of the Gospel of Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
You see, the Gospel of Christ is everything that we find written within the pages of the New Testament Covenant. These are the details of His death, burial, and resurrection; in other words: the salvation of God being revealed through the eye-witness accounts of His life here on earth spanning from His birth, through His resurrection and ascension back to into heaven. It also includes the deeper knowledge of the life of Christ as proclaimed in the “Acts” or “works” of the apostles and their many letters to those churches that were first established after that the gift of God’s indwelling of His Holy Spirit was given to man. It is fact that the apostles were following Christ, and their “works” were recorded and captured within the books of The New Testament.
The works that they performed were “good” in the sight of God, or works of His righteousness. These were not their own works, but works that God ordained them to carry out, just like we are instructed of Titus.
Titus 3:8 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.
Of all of the works that a person can be found doing, I for one want to be found doing the works that God is pleased with, don’t you? That is why we are here…
Here is the last thought that I want to leave you all with, until the next time appointed:
Hebrews 10:19-24 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works
…and, what are “good” works? The works of God.
Matthew 19:16-17 And, behold, one came and said unto Him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And He said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
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Ephesians 6:23-24 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
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