By Gary Ray Branscome
On one hand, we have to
deal with people who want to make God’s favor depend on what we do; on the
other hand, we have to deal with those who insist that good works are
worthless. However, both of those views contradict the Bible. Just because
our works are not good enough or perfect enough to earn God’s favor, does not
change the fact that they are of great value to other people. Ask yourself
what life would be like if we lived in a world where there were no good works:
a world where others were constantly trying to cheat us, steal from us, lie to
us, beat us up, and even kill us, a world where everyone lived in fear. The
very fact that we do not live in such a world is a gift of God’s grace. And, do
not assume that I am only talking about good works done by Christians. The
words, “When the Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature the things
contained in the law, they… show the work of the law written in their hearts,”
tell us that even the unbelievers who do what is right and good, only do so by
the grace of God, because He put His law in their heart (Romans 2:14-15).
Therefore, even though good works will not save us, they are of great value to
all who benefit from those works. In fact it is those works that make it
possible for us to “Lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
honesty” (1Timothy 2:2).
God uses everyone who
does an honest day’s work to bless others. God works through the businessman
who provides us with good products or reliable services. He works through the
car repairman who does a good job without trying to cheat us. When it comes to
unbelievers He works through His law, moving them to do what is right while at
the same time using that law to show them their sins and need for repentance.
And, that is true for believers as well. However, the words, “It is God who
works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure,” for “The fruit
of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,
meekness, self-control: against such there is no law,” tell us that
the Holy Spirit works within believers to produce even more good works [i.e.
fruit] (Philippians 2:13, Galatians 5:22-23).
The words, “You are
the light of the world. A city that is on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor
do they light a lamp, and put it under a basket, instead they put it on a
stand; and it gives light to everyone in the house. Let your light so shine
before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is
in heaven,” tell us that the works God produces in us should be a light to
the world (Matthew 5:14-16).
The words, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus for good works, that God determined in advance that we should do,”
tell us that God has determined in advance what He would accomplish through us.
(Ephesians 2:10). That means that we do not have to figure out what His plan
for our life is. If we tried we would probably get it wrong. As long as we walk
in a clean conscience, leading “A quiet and peaceable life in all godliness
and honesty,” God will work out His plan in our life (1Timothy 2:2).
The words, “The truth of the gospel… has come to
you, bringing forth fruit in you, as in all the world, since the day you heard
it, and knew the truth of God’s grace,” tell us that God’s work in us began
as soon as we came to faith in Christ (Colossians 1:5-6).
The words, “The grace of God that brings salvation has
appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,
we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking
for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior
Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity,
and purify for Himself a special people, eager to do good works,” mention
God’s desire for us to do good works (Titus 2:11-14).
The words, “Instruct those who are rich in this world,
not to think highly of themselves, or trust in uncertain riches, but to trust
in the living God, who richly gives us all things to enjoy. And that they do
good, and are rich in good deeds, glad to give and to share, and show
friendliness,” urge those who have been blessed to show the love of Christ
in their lives (1Timothy
The words, “I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write,
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on: Yes, says the Spirit,
that they may rest from their labor; for their deeds follow them,” tell us
that our deeds will follow us (Revelation