Subject: What is the full meaning of Good Works |
Bible Note: Learn, the phrasing I used, i.e., unto good works, comes from Eph. 2:10. Please permit me to give you an exegesis of that verse. .... "For we are His worksmanship" We are God's poem (Gr. poiema). His masterpiece. In salvation we are the product of the will and work of God. ..... "Created in Christ Jesus." This is the new birth, regeneration, in living union with Christ Jesus. ...... "Unto good works." For good works, destined to good works. The purpose of the new creation in Christ. Christ in us still goes 'about doing good' (Acts 10:38. We are saved apart from good works, but saved unto (for) good works. Good works are the evidence of our salvation and faith (James 2:17-18). Works never produce salvation, but salvation always produces good works. A man is never justified by works, but a justified man works. Works are the consequences of salvation but not the causes. They are the fruit, not the root, of salvation. We must be a Christian before we can live as a Christian; we must be good before we can do good. One must be "created in Christ Jesus unto good works" before he can walk in them. (Phil.1:6; 2:12,13)..... Look now at v.8. "By grace" .... it is Christ for us. "through faith .... it is Christ in us, and "unto good works" it is Christ through us. [adapted from King James Bible Commentary (Nelson)] |