WORKS ARE GOOD!
By Paul Payton
We know that salvation is not by what we've done.
(Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;)
(Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.)
We know that salvation is not even partially of works.
(Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.)
(Ephesians 2:8,9 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.)
We even know that salvation can be had without works.
(Romans 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the repiano coversd not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.)(John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.)
So what does this mean? James 2:26...faith without works is dead...
This is possibly the most misunderstood passage in the Bible. The entire passage is talking about faith and works from man's perspective. Think logically and you will see the truth being taught. How can a man say he believes something and not act on it.
(James 2:14-26
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye piano coversmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.)
v.15-17 How is telling someone to be clothed and fed but not helping going to do anything for them? It's not. Faith without works is dead.
v. 18 This passage is about the out working of faith in your heart. Works are the result of faith. Faith that doesn't produce works can't be seen or proven to exist.
v. 19-20 Even Satan believes in God. That's not faith. Faith is turning to him, trusting in him; this will produce works in the life of a Christian.
v. 21-23 Like in verse 18 Abraham's faith was shown in his actions. His actions didn't make faith, he already had faith, the action showed his faith to be genuine. His faith was already genuine, but now we can see it.
v. 24 Notice the word "see" yes in the eyes of men, someone has to do something visible to show faith. Our faith is in the Work of Christ on the Cross. Our faith and His work have wrought salvation in us.
(Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.)
v. 25 Rahab, yes, if she had no works, she would have died with the rest of Jericho. She had faith in God, and knew what she had to do.
v. 26 Faith without works is dead. It doesn't help anyone here on earth. There is so much we can do for Christ. He want's each one of us to serve Him.
Notice something.
Ask anyone, saved by Grace, to name 2 passages that say its not of works and they will come up with Ephesians 2:8,9 and Titus 3:5.
Let's see them in context.
(Ephesians 2:8,9 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.)
Saved by Grace not works, But notice v.10.
(Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.)
We who are saved are to work.
(Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;)
Saved by Mercy not works, But notice v.8.
(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.)
Be careful to maintain GOOD WORKS, if you believe in God that is. If you are not saved, trust in Christ then do good.
(blips 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: )
Please understand. My intent is to show you the way of salvation; by faith in His shed blood, and encourage those who are already saved to press topiano coversd the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Trust Christ for your salvation. It is not by works. Then show your faith, by serving Him with your life. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is faithful.
Paul Payton
http://www.JustBible.com/