Expert: Scott Talbot - 6/10/2006

Question
Hi Scott

Please help un-confuse me if you will. In the NKJV
Ephesians 2:8-9

Says," . . . not of works lest any man should boast."

No man gets to heaven by good works. Somewhere in the Bible it also says, " . . . all good works are like filthy rags unto the Lord."

O.K. so from that I'm to understand that whatever good things I do for my fellows on earth gives me no credit to get into heaven.

However, the follown scripture and verses;
2TIMOTHY 1:9,4:14 (KJV)
TITUS 3:5 (KJV)
JEREMIAH 17:9-10 (NIV)

All state: " For the SON of man shall come in the glory of HIS FATHER with HIS angels; and then HE shall reward every man according to his works."

The Bible; The LORD'S word says one thing and then means another. I'M CONFUSE.
Either my good works are 'filthy rags or I'll be rewarded for my good works.

WITCH IS IT SCOTT?

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS
R.Monaco

Answer
Hi, Ray.

You ask a good question. "What is the place of good works in God's eyes?"

First, it's important to understand that no amount of good works or self-effort can deliver us from God's judgment and save us. In order to be born again into God's family, forever delivered from condemnation, we must freely accept God's gift of salvation offered through the death of Jesus Christ. (See Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 1:12, 3:16-26, Romans 10:9-10,13.)

We cannot reach God through our own effort. No amount of good works can compensate for our sin, as even one sin is enough to separate us from God. Jesus Christ, the perfect God-man, is the only one who had no sin and was therefore able to take our place, serve our sentence, pay the price in our place. Jesus Christ makes salvation possible. It is all God's work, not ours.

Now, after one has been born again into God's family, what role does works play? They still do not have any merit as to our spritual status. Our works are not needed to keep us saved, nor do they make us any more "spiritual." Nothing we do can make God love us any more or any less.

So how do "works" fit in? Well, our lifestyle, our deeds, should reflect our love and commitment to the God who rescued us. We live for Him, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude. And obviously our deeds are important, as they impact us, other people, and even God. So we are encouraged to live a life that honors God, not out of any sort of legalistic obligation, but because it is pleasing to God. And, just like a parent who enjoys rewarding his child, so God will reward us for those things.

I hope this helps.

Scott