FAITH AND WORKS – conclusion of three messages.
Today I want to conclude my messages on the subject of FAITH and WORKS. Of course, this does not mean that I have exhausted all the resources on the doctrines relating to this subject. We invite you, after reading carefully the three messages on this subject, and you still have questions, or you would like to comment on something written, to feel free to write us at: bbhenriquez@shaw.ca We would be so happy to hear from you. Or you may add your comment right on line: www.bicentoandbetty.blogspot.com.
The doctrine on FAITH and WORKS is of great importance for each one who has received Christ as his or her Savior and Lord. It is a decision that each one of us must personally make. No other person can make that decision for us. The Bible, containing Scriptures inspired by God Himself, by means of His Holy Spirit, is the only authority in this truth about Faith and Works.
In the past two messages which have been posted we commented somewhat about faith and works, by speaking about the faith of Abraham, because he is called by the Scriptures the father of all people of all nations who believe the God Who raised Jesus, our Lord, from the dead. It is this Jesus Who was given over to die for our sins, and was risen for our justification. Read these verses written so clearly for us in the entire fourth chapter of Romans.
Here Abraham is called the father of all who believe the Gospel. This title was given to Abraham as an example for us to do likewise. What, or which work did Abraham do? Was Abraham a perfect human being? Absolutely not; but the work that he did was that he believed God, and that fact or truth is what God attributed as righteousness to him. This signifies that the only way sinners like you and I can be declared justified, is if we too believe what God says about His only Son, our Lord Jesus.
Now what does God tell us about His Son? Please take a moment to read 1 John 5: 9-13. There are many other Scriptures as well, which speak of this truth from different aspects; and that is, that “salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) What is so extraordinary here is that the testimony of God the Father Himself is directed to us sinners, and not to the righteous. The Scriptures are very clear you see, because at “just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Be sure and read Romans 5:1-11).
So, friends, considering the Scriptures that I have mentioned and many more that we could mention, we can clearly see that the salvation of sinners is a WORK completely belonging to our Heavenly Father through His only Son Who is Jesus Christ. And that work is based on His love, mercy and compassion, and by His grace. The Bible compares all our righteous acts as filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6). Nevertheless there are some things of tremendous importance that remain for you and me to do. And that is, TO BELIEVE in the SON of GOD, who died, crucified for our sins, but Who was risen from the dead on the third day, and received into Glory, from where He will come again to raise from the dead and transform all sinners who have believed the Gospel, so that they may forever be with Him. (Be sure and read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Now, a few more words about our acts, works or actions that we throughout our lives, as believers do. The Bible has much to say about the doctrine of these kinds of works or acts. We have already discussed that it is impossible for anyone to be saved by means of his own works. Nevertheless it is written that God has saved us by His grace through Christ to do good works which He prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:8-10). What is more, we read in the Scriptures that all who have believed the Gospel of the Grace of God must appear before the judgement seat of Christ that each one might receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Cor. 5:10). Other Scriptures that are related and important as to our actual deeds, as children of God, based on the fact that we have repented and believe with our hearts in Jesus Christ can be found in 1 Cor. 3:10-23).
Brethren in the faith, or anyone else reading this message: There are many clear warnings in the Scriptures about faith and works. They are written so that we will not be deceived and call our selves a CHRISTIAN, when indeed our deeds are contradictory. For example the Bible says: “Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves not the greedy no drunkards nor slanderers now swindlers will inherit the Kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (Read 1 Cor. 6:9-11).
This is all for now on this topic. Do not hesitate to write us if you have questions about what we have discussed here. We want also to remind you to visit Libreria Victoria, at 25 Elleboogstraat in Oranjestad, Aruba for any needs you may have for a Bible, Gospel tracts or other Christian reading materials that can be of help to you in your walk of Faith.
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