When we go to church or watch a sermon online, we eventually encounter a preacher who speaks about “Grace.” Eph: 2, 8-9 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” This is very true. However, in some cases, you then hear a sermon on how our works don’t matter. I have even heard preachers say that our works are an attempt to win our salvation and that we are living under the old law and not the new covenant. One even stated that we are giving up our salvation by choosing law over a gift from god. (Grace)
This is a very dangerous thing to teach people because it can have eternal consequences. If you just consider the very next verse, it reads, Eph: 2, 10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” You see, we can’t earn our salvation by doing good works because we have been created to walk in them. Salvation is a gift; we can not earn it with good works. However, we are expected to walk the straight and narrow with our good works.
Let us remember Matt: 5, 17-19, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Why would God give us laws to guide us just to destroy them and let us run amok?
Now, I am not saying that ministers are trying to deceive. I am saying that we need to use more caution in our messages. This error can have eternal ramifications.
For an example of our accountability, we should read 2 Cor 5, 10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” These are works, my friends. When Paul says, “For we must all,” he includes himself with “we,” he then provides for the rest of us with “all.”
This is why I say this error can affect us in eternity. Let us go to James 2, 24-26 “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” What? Did that just say, faith without works is dead?
Well then, we need to take another look at Eph: 2, 8 where it says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith.” This tells us that without faith there is no grace and without works there is no faith.
Just like the parable of the tree that did not produce fruit. Luke 13, 6 - 9 “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? 8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: 9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.” Our works are our fruit. This passage tells us that even though we may not produce fruit, God will show us his love and mercy. He will care for us and fertilize us with his word so we can correct our errors before being cut down.
A little side note: Did you notice where the man would dig about it? This is God's attempt to separate us from everything else that may take stop the word from helping us to produce. (Weeds, Thorns, etc.) Then he fills that void with his word. So, if we feel abandoned or alone, it is probably just God's attempt to separate us so he can fill us with his word. (That was a medium side note.)
Also, let's remember Matt: 7-19 “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Fire? Ouch!
If you will, let me drive this home and show the real danger that Jesus spoke of. We need to look at Matt: 7-21 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Therefore, we are not only meant for good works; if we choose evil (iniquity), we will be cast aside. (depart from me!)
The Bible is full of references that show God’s people doing good works and being rewarded. Most people have a desire to do good for their brothers and sisters. We just need to realize that one of the good works that God wants most of all from us is to spread his word and fertilize his trees. Or as Jesus said, John 21:15-17 “15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”
Whether we are speaking in parables using sheep or trees to describe people, spreading God’s word is a good work. Even the preacher making the claim that works do not matter is performing works. We must then be so careful that we get the right message across. What we preach is taken to heart and could help or harm.
As always, anything you read here or anywhere else needs to be considered carefully with prayer and the study of God's word. I pray that you get something good from this message. Hopefully, you will dig deeper and find an even better and more in-depth study than this one.
God bless