One of the biggest mistakes that Christians make is not doing good works. We are saved by grace through faith, and that is a gift that is given to everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. However, we are also created in Christ to do good works.
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. NKJV
Saved people do “not” do good works in order to get saved, but saved people are saved to do good works. In other words, if we are saved, there are good works that God has prepared for us to do.
Having faith in Jesus Christ means that you also have good works that you are appointed to do. Of course Jesus doesn’t force you to do them, but those good works are directly tied to your prayer life, and your ability to be able to ask God for anything.
John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. NKJV
I heard a man on TV today downplay good works, and those who believe that type of teaching cannot possibly position themselves to ask God for “whatever,” as it is written in the verse above. They are certainly deceived.
Here is something that you need to know. It doesn’t matter how long someone has been preaching, or how well-trained they are. If they speak against the faith, they will fall away from it (1 Timothy 6:20-21), and if they reject the faith, the Word will not remain in them (Mark 4:24-25, John 5:38).
Therefore, whoever rejects the Word of God and speaks against the faith, declaring that good works is not a part of the Christian life, will not have the verses I have mentioned living in them. When the verses are not living in a person, they easily speak in opposition to the faith, which is what happened today.
Not only are good works a part of the Christian life, but we who teach should be mentioning that constantly, in order to teach God’s people to maintain good works.
Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. NKJV
Now you should be able to see what I am talking about. If the Bible says that we should be careful to maintain good works, but TV says the exact opposite, then something has gone terribly wrong. Welcome to the last days (2 Timothy 4:3-4, 1 Timothy 4:1-2).
Saved people who do not do good works are unfruitful in their faith. Faith in Jesus Christ will always make us do good works.
Titus 3:14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful. NKJV
I’m Alan Ballou; a servant. Let us return to the Lord our God.
My teachings are not according to man, nor have I been trained by man, but I will speak in accordance with what is written in the Bible through the grace of God. Test what I am saying, and if you have any questions, please ask.
