Faith Without Works?
In the preceding scriptures we learned that we cannot be justified by
relying on or having faith in the works of the Law of Moses. Does this mean that a
person should not be led by faith to do good works?
Good Works or Deeds:
Christians are "created in Christ Jesus for good works:"
"For
we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God
prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
(NAS)
The scripture speaks very favorably about a person that does good works:
"Let
your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 (NAS)
"Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly
and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments;
10
but rather by means of good works, as befits women
making a claim to godliness." 1 Timothy 2:9-10 (NAS)
"Let a widow be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old,
having been the wife of one man,
10
having a reputation
for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality
to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has assisted those in
distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work." 1
Timothy 5:9-10 (NAS)
"Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to
fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us
with all things to enjoy.
18
Instruct them to do good, to
be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
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storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so
that they may take hold of that which is life indeed." 1 Timothy 6:17-19
(NAS)
"Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the
tombs shall hear His voice,
29
and shall come forth; those
who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil
deeds to a resurrection of judgment." John 5:28-29 (NAS)
"Likewise urge the young men to be sensible;
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in all
things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine,
dignified,
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sound in speech which is beyond reproach, in
order that the opponent may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about
us." Titus 2:6-8 (NAS)
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
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instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires
and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
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looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our
great God and Savior, Christ Jesus;
14
who gave Himself
for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a
people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Titus 2:11-14 (NAS)
"This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you
to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to
engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men." Titus
3:8 (NAS)
"And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing
needs, that they may not be unfruitful." Titus 3:14 (NAS)
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who
promised is faithful;
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and let us consider how to
stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
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not
forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging
one another and all the more, as you see the day drawing near."
Hebrews 10:23-25 (NAS)
"Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in
which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as
they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation." 1 Peter 2:12
(NAS)
Question:
According to the scriptures above, good deeds or good works are ____________
the Christian's life. (fill in the blank) |