Works or Grace

 

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.” (Rev 20:11).

This pivotal moment in eternity occasioned the “final” resurrection and “final” judgement – a judgement predicated on “works” (cf. Joh 5:28-29, Rev 20:12-13).

“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works” (Rev 20:12-13, emphasis added).

“All” standing before that great white throne will be judged “according to their works”!

However, according to what Paul refers to as “my gospel,” i.e., “the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began” (cf. Rom 16:25) ─ we are “not” saved by works!

“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 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” (Gal 2:16).

“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them” (Gal 3:10).

“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2Ti 1:9).

“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 Spirit” (Tit 3:5).

“Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” (Rom 11:5-6).

However, “works” are quintessential for the Body of Christ ─ but “not” for salvation:

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph_2:10).

“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Tit 2:14).

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God… That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2Ti 3:16-17).

We are not saved “by” good works we are saved “for” good works!

 

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