Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Good Works=Not Enough

GOOD WORKS=NOT ENOUGH
Romans 2:6, 11
“God will give to each person according to what he has done…God does not show favoritism.”

“No, Briana!” Briana’s Mom said, her eyes firm, mouth in a straight line. Briana pulled the cord, staring straight into her Mom’s face, and the lamp crashed to the floor.

Obeying authority is clearly not what human beings do naturally—ever since the first disobedient act—when Eve bit into the apple (Genesis 3:13). Obedience is a choice. Just because many people generously and freely give help to others does not mean that their good works are a “get out of hell free” card. No way! Respecting one’s elders, following directions, obeying commands are all learned behavior.
No individual is condemned by what he does. Condemnation comes because of who he is—someone whose nature is bent away from God. People choose to sin because it is our nature to do so. (Remember Eve). People are just naturally rebellious. Submission to authority is taught. And this is a lesson we all must learn—unfortunately, most must learn it the hard way.

There is no one sinless, good enough, or wise enough to please the Lord.
Scripture is clear: Romans 6:23 states, “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” Therefore, we all have sinned. No one is exempt. Until the moment of salvation, (when a person accepts Jesus’ gift of forgiveness for sins), we are dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1). This means that our spirit is lifeless apart from Christ, even before physical death.

Therefore, we are unable to save ourselves, good works are not enough! Good works—serving others, giving whatever is needed—is a product of our gratitude for God’s lavish gift of eternal life with Him through faith in Christ.

Justification (acceptance) by the Father comes to believers through grace because of their faith in Christ. To those who persevere in doing good works seeking glory for God, He gives honor and immortality. To those who are self-seeking and reject the truth, following evil, there will be wrath and anger. Said another way: There will be trouble and distress for everyone who does evil; but glory, honor, and peace is reserved for everyone who does good (Romans 2:8-10).

So, what is your choice of lifestyles?

Take Home Nugget


One creature I know that strives to please and obey their masters is our pet dogs. How much more does our Father want to bless us when we obey Him!
Holy Father, I admit to You my guilt,
Gladly accepting Your grace.
Mold my life and help me grow
Until I behold Your face.

J.D. Griffith
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