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“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins...”
(Isaiah 58: 1)

Works, Are They Important?

Works, Are They Important?

1. Introduction

The Oxford dictionary defines the word ‘work’ as the ‘use of bodily or mental power in order to do or make something.’ Work involves will-power, knowledge, planning, action, results, products, fruit. But, sad to say, the words ‘work’ and ‘works’ have become suspect in Christian circles these days. Many followers of Jesus believe, ‘works’ are unimportant. To them, it's not work that matters but faith - and faith alone! When we speak of the importance of ‘works’ to them, a cry goes up. ‘You’re preaching salvation by works. You’re doing away with the finished work of Jesus Christ. You’re preaching heresy. Didn’t you know, believers are saved by faith - not works?’

Sure we knew - many years ago, when we decided to yield our lives to the Savior; when we personally accepted Yahweh's offer of salvation through His Son Jesus. Oh yes, we knew, faith was vital. But, our question remains: Are works important? And, is it heresy to preach the importance of doing good works? This Sabbath we are going to find out. In this study, we will quote many verses to show you, a person's ‘works’ are important, more important than most Christians remotely imagine.

2. Works of the Flesh

To begin with let us be clear as to what we mean when we use the word ‘works.’ We are certainly not talking about a person's employment or job. Neither do we mean:

Oh no! when we use the word works, we most certainly do not mean these practices, which, sad to say, have been adopted from paganism by the fallen Church. Trying to earn or pay for salvation by these futile ‘works’ is totally against all Bible teaching.

In this article we use the word ‘works’ as it is used in the Scriptures. Here we find, works fall into two categories:

No doubt, each group may be sub-divided, but for the purpose of this study We'll confine ourselves to these two headings: the ‘works of the flesh’ and the ‘works of the spirit.’ The Bible defines the ‘works of the flesh’ as follows:

Galatians 5: 19: Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20: Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21: Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

3. Works (Fruit) of the Spirit

The ‘works of the spirit’ are defined in the very next verse. Notice, they are called, the ‘fruit of the Spirit.‘ Remember, our opening definition about works being: labor, deeds, actions, outcomes, products, fruit.

Galatians 5: 22: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23: Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24: And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25: If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Colossians 1: 10: That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.

4. Justification

The Bible teaches, a believer is justified by FAITH in Jesus Christ; but it also says, one's faith must be alive - else it is useless. What is living faith? The scriptures teach, living faith is faith that is reflected in good works, obedience! If obedience is absent in a believer's life, (assuming he/she has time to practice obedience) then all his/her professions of faith are meaningless. In other words, a believer is justified by living faith, which is reflected in good works, obedience to God! Let us give you a few texts to substantiate this seemingly paradoxical statement.

The Apostle Paul Says:

Galatians 2: 16: Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

The Apostle James Says:

James 2: 14: What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

The implied answer to this question is: No, faith alone cannot save him.

James 2: 17: Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18: Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19: Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20: But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21: Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22: Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23: And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24: 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.

Are Paul and James contradicting each other? The answer is; obviously not. The Bible doesn't contradict itself. Paul is simply saying, justification is by faith in Jesus Christ. And, James is saying, to be effective, faith must demonstrate itself in works. If good works are not present, then the so-called ‘faith’ is in reality - ‘dead faith.’ And, dead faith will certainly not get anyone anywhere; least of all into the Kingdom of God. In other words, a believer is justified by ‘living faith’ in Jesus Christ.

5. Advice Concerning Works

There are literally scores of Bible verses exhorting believers to do ‘good works.’ In fact, Yahweh's objective, when sending His Son to earth, was for us to be saved from sin and to live righteous lives. Therefore to suggest, good works are unimportant is a sign of colossal ignorance, of spiritual blindness. It is an argument only used by the workers of iniquity; those who do not want to obey Yahweh's commandments and whose lives are a contradiction of the faith they profess. Let us quote some more texts concerning good works. Take careful note.

Titus 2: 7: In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.
Acts 9: 36: Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
1 Timothy 6: 18: That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.
2 Timothy 3: 14: But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15: And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Hebrews 10: 24: And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Titus 2: 12: Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13: Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;
14: Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Titus 3: 8: This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works,
Titus 3: 14: And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

Bad Workers Beware!

2 Timothy 4: 14: Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
Matthew 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.

6. The Savior Knows the Works of Every Soul

Are works important? Works are very important. Good or bad they are being recorded on the spiritual data files above: media infinitely more sophisticated than computer disks. Multiplied billions of facts are being written to those heavenly files every millisecond. Let us never forget that fact!

Hearken to the Savior’s warnings to the seven churches and all mankind in the following verses.

Ephesus:
Revelation 2: 2: I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.
Revelation 2: 5: Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Smyrna:
Revelation 2: 9: I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Pergamos:
Revelation 2: 13: I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Thyatira:
Revelation 2: 19: I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
Jezebel:
Revelation 2: 23: And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Sardis:
Revelation 3: 1: And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2: Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Philadelpia:
Revelation 3: 8: I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Laodicea:
Revelation 3: 15: I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
All True Believers:
Revelation 14: 13: And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Babylon the Great:
Revelation 18: 6: Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

Are works important? Of course they are important. If works weren't important, why did the Master mention them so often in his letters to the seven churches? We can tell you, your works (the fruit, outcome, actions, your deeds) are the best - perhaps the only - indicators that you are a true believer. If you don't have accompanying good works (obedience) you don't have faith. We could even say:

All these things, important as they are, count for nothing if obedience, good works and fruit are missing. Remember the Master's sobering words:

Matthew 7: 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.

The prophet Samuel said the same thing to king Saul, who had violated Yahweh’s commandments:

1 Samuel 15: 22: And Samuel said Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

7. The Great Day of Judgment

Now back to the question. Are works important? Sure they are. No Christian is going to say, the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ is unimportant. But, few realize, the word ‘works’ is synonymous with ‘fruit.’ Both words mean - the outcome, the end product. We have provided many texts to prove, the Almighty closely considers people's works, their behavior, their actions, their fruit. He takes note of what we do. Every motive, every thought, every word, every action is recorded in the divine registers above. The Bible teaches, on the Day of Judgment, everyone will be judged according to their works - their fruit.

Matthew 12: 36: But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Jeremiah 25: 14: ... and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands.
Matthew 16: 27: 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.
Revelation 2: 23: And I (Yehshua The Messiah Speaking) will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Revelation 20: 12: And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13: And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

Summary

Let us summarize what you have just read; for we are here dealing with one of the most important subjects in the entire Bible.
  1. Are Works Important?
    Millions of Christians answer: ‘No, works are not important.’ Perhaps they are confusing ‘works’ with penance, rosary beads, prayers for the dead etc. The Bible doesn't mean these things when it tells of works. It means, faith, which is reflected in obedience to the Almighty's commandments. Strange as it may sound, in the opinion of these believers, anyone who teaches obedience and the necessity of doing good deeds, ‘good works’ is preaching ‘salvation by works’ - preaching heresy! This is a popular viewpoint. But, is it right? The answer is, NO it isn’t right. It’s dangerously wrong. For we find, when we study the scriptures, works are very important. Over and over again the Bible tells us to shun disobedience, referred to by the apostle Paul as the ‘works of the flesh;’ adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings and such like.

  2. Instead, We Are to Do Good Works
    Which also express themselves in the fruit of the Holy Spirit: Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. The Master said in his sermon on the mount (Matthew 5: 16): “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

  3. Believers Are Justified by Faith
    But, to be of value, their faith must be alive. It must exhibit itself in obedience and good works. If these are not present, then their worship is vain and futile. If they continue in sin (disobedience) all their professions of faith (‘Lord, Lord!’) and all their miracles and wonders will count for nothing. They will be kept out of the Kingdom of God on the Master's orders. “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7: 23)

  4. Scores of Bible Texts Advise Us True Believers to Do Good Works
    Indeed, that is why Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus) died for us: “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2: 14)

  5. The Savior Knows Our Works
    Better than we remotely imagine. He is extremely interested in the performance of every member of his church. He knows our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, pressures and persecutions. He knows everything about us all: and he will judge us on the basis of that knowledge. These are sobering thoughts; which we do well to keep in mind.

  6. The Great Day of Judgment Approaches when every person on earth will be judged according to his/her works.

    Matthew 16: 27: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.
    Revelation 20: 12: And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Works, are they important? You can be sure they are. Very important!

AMEN

In The Son's Name, For The Father's Glory

A Voice In The Wilderness - USA
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