GOOD WORKS (1)

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see YOUR GOOD WORKS and glorify your Father in heaven” – Matthew 5:16

Although Salvation is by Grace, there is a place for Believers to engage in GOOD WORKS: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see YOUR GOOD WORKS and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mt.5:16). This text describes the essential role Jesus’ followers serve on the earth, as the salt of the earth and the light of the world (vv.13-15). Salt becomes worthless if it loses its quality of being salty. Light is meant to be seen by those in darkness. It has no value if covered up and hidden. These metaphors represent the powerful impact Christians are meant to have in the world. Followers of Christ reflect His light by doing good works. Even if acting in a Christlike way earns persecution from the world, we are meant to shine as light in a dark world (vv.11-12).

Salvation is not earned by ‘bribing’ God with good works. God freely extended Grace and Mercy to us “when we were enemies” (Rom.5:10). We can never acquire a personal relationship with Christ by our good works. Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Lk.5:32). Our sin and lack of good works are the very reasons for us to come to Christ by faith! Good works are also not requisite to acquire for us a right to increasing degrees of sanctification. God says, “But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified” (1Cor.6:11a). Good works have no place in obtaining for us a right to eternal life in heaven. Jesus has “obtained eternal redemption” for us (Heb.9:12). He bought our inheritance by His obedience!

Here are some scriptural reasons why Good Works are necessary:

Good works are acknowledgements of God’s authority over us and acts of obedience to His commandments. Paul says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1The.4:3).

Good works are fruit of the eternal election of the Father, redemption in Christ, and regeneration by the Spirit: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for GOOD WORKS, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph.2:10).

Good works are gracious expressions of gratitude to our God for all of His benefits: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Heb.12:28).

Good works prove and confirm our faith: “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (Jam.2: 17-18). True faith produces good works.

Good works make our calling and election sure to us: “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble” (2Pet.1:10). Our good works bear witness to us that we are God’s children.

Good works are necessary to adorn the doctrine of Christ: “Showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things” (Tit.2:10).

Good works help to silence the accusations of unbelievers and to prevent offense: “Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1Pet.2:12).

Good works are to edify and comfort fellow Believers: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal.6:10).

Above all, our good works bring Glory to God: “That they may see YOUR GOOD WORKS and glorify your Father in heaven” (v.16). The light of Christian goodness is meant to shine out in the dark world, so that God is glorified. However, in situations where the world is likely to merely praise the Christian, it's better for the act to be done "in secret" to avoid arrogance and pride (Mt.6: 1-4).