(Eph 2:10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. What are these good works we were created for? I see this verse quoted a lot in debates, especially between reformed believers and non-reformed believers, regarding these good works as evidence of salvation, or lack of these same works as evidence of not being saved. Do these good works refer to outward behavior? Are these good works acts of charity? Helping my elderly neighbor bring in his groceries? Telling people about Jesus? Teaching Sunday School? Or is the verse more focused on my heart condition? According to a Pew report, the 2 biggest philanthropists of 2012, Warren Buffet & Mark Zuckerburg, are both atheists. Bill Gates, probably the biggest donor of all time, is agnostic. The way we generally classify good works, no doubt these men out do me daily! What differentiates our good works from these men? Motivation? Because I do mine in the name of the Lord? BUT, do I really? How can we be sure our motives are pure? It seems to me that perhaps we put the emphasis on the wrong words in this verse. { For we are his workmanship, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS for good works.. }.......that WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM. Should the emphasis be on the created in Christ Jesus part and walk in them part? Isnt this really another verse that emphasizes abiding? Whose good works are these? Mine or the Lords living through me? Who can really judge that but God Himself? Rom 3:12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”[b] Mark 10:18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. So, what are these good works?.......maybe this has been COMPLETELY addressed in another thread, if so, someone please point me to it ;)
Posted on: Wed, 09 Apr 2014 18:51:39 +0000
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