Bible Studies

Bible 13 No Works Means Not Saved?

by Eugene Lopatynsky
07/01/17
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No human being can save himself by his works. That gave Satan tremendous   confidence. To this day there are gigantic religions teaching an empty salvation by works.

Even so, works are tremendously important. Works are absolutely required, but they can never save. They are a "thermometer", an expression of our love for God. Our best works are only "filthy rags" before God (Isa. 64:6). But continued absence of works means being unsaved, means usually absence of real faith (1 John 3:6-10).

Can a continued ABSENCE OF WORKS mean ABSENCE OF REAL FAITH? By their fruits (works) we shall know them (1 John 3:6-10)?

If works cannot save, what are they for?

Smoke is the usual evidence of fire. Works are the evidence of your faith. By their fruit, their works, you shall know them, 1 John 3:6-10. You shall know a Christian by his works. For a Christian good works are a joy. 

Christians are HUMBLE and GOOD PEOPLE, not perfect, but much better intentioned. They say, anyone who is not a good person cannot be a Christian, no matter what he calls himself.

ONLY FAITH ALONE, FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS OF THE BIBLE, SAVES. BUT THE FAITH THAT SAVES IS NEVER ALONE. IT ALWAYS HAS WORKS.

Now, how is that?

By comparison, a man is not a sinner because he sins; rather the opposite, he sins because he is a sinner. It's his nature. True Christians are not Christians because they have works; they have works because they are Christians.

"You shall know them by their fruit", - you shall know Christians by their works, though works could never be sufficient for salvation. 

Here is what no pagan can easily understand. To every Christian GOOD WORKS (obedience to God) are a JOY! Take a look.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 14:23)
"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him". (John 14:21)
"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. (John 15:8-11)

"IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS”. (JOHN 14:15)

Of course, this is only for Christians. To those, who do not really know our Lord, may I add a few lines? 

Our Lord Jesus will settle for nothing less than to be a ruler of our lives. Why? Because He IS the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. That's WHO HE IS. If you really want Him you must invite Him for who He is. If you don’t want Him, you will have Satan as the lord of your life, automatically.

Men are not lost because they are sinners; they are lost because they have rejected the Lord Jesus who died for them. The ultimate treasure is not any part of creation, it is the Creator. Any CONCEIVABLE sacrifice in this world is worthwhile just to find Christ Jesus and to belong to Him! 

Dearest pilgrim, tired of seeing evil in this perishing world? Turn directly to the Living God, who loves you, who suffered for you, and invite HIM to be the RULER of your life. Prey with me, if you want Him, “Dearest Lord Jesus, forgive me my sins, please be the ruler of my life. I reject all non-biblical religion. Help me to love you more every day and to obey you with all my strength and to read your bible daily, every day of my life."

If you do this, and mean it, with an open heart, this prayer will never fail. It will become the greatest thing you will ever have, and it will last forever. Even in this life it will be the greatest happiness you'll know, and a light upon your path. Conversely, to FAIL in this, it will be the GREATEST DISASTER you will ever have, both here and hereafter.

Something most especial is waiting for those who seek the immense goodness of our Lord. God Himself said, that "The ear has not heard and no eye has ever seen, neither can man even imagine the HAPPINESS which God prepared for those who love him" (1 Cor. 2:9, paraphrased, if you please)!