SAVED BY GRACE( WITHOUT WORKS) FOR GOOD WORKS Pt.5

I KNOW THY WORKS

There are those in the body of Christ who believe we shouldn't be talking about works because we are not saved by works. It is absolutely true that we are not saved by works but we are saved to show works. Further, they misunderstand work to be rituals and Mosaic practices. However, in context of relevant new testament scriptures, "works" does not always mean adherence to the law. In the opening text, Jesus was talking to the church in Thyatira, a new testament church that was saved by grace and washed in the blood of the lamb. He said to them, "I know thy works". If you read that verse and others contextually, you'll see that works implied good deeds or Christian character. Let's look at another version of the bible: "I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things", Rev 2:19 NLT. The NIV used the phrase "good deeds" in place of "works".

In verse 19, they were commended by the Lord for good works but in the verses after, they were rebuked and a pronouncement of judgement was made upon them if they refuse to repent: “But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman—that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet—to lead my servants astray. She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols. “Therefore, I will throw her on a bed of suffering, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer greatly unless they repent and turn away from her evil deeds", Rev 2:20, 22 NLT. I believe you read that. Those are the very words of Jesus himself to a new testament church. I didn't frame them up. It is unfortunate that some fail to recognize that repentance is necessary if found in the wrong. The believe that our sins are automatically forgiven without genuine repentance and asking for God's forgiveness is a huge deceit. Some believe post dated sins are already forgiven automatically. If it is true, why was Jesus telling the church in Thyatira to repent? Can't you see the opening sentence in verse 20? It says, "Nevertheless, I have this against you:". If Jesus had something against them, it showed that there was a persistent sin amidst them that needed repentance. Instead of saying that sins( present&future) have been forgiven automatically, I'll rather have you say the provision for forgiveness of sins has been made available awaiting appropriation. Forgiveness is for those that appropriate the provision made for it in redemption.

Who says our works( what we do after salvation) are not important? I'll be glad you take out time to read Revelation 2&3. You'll see how Jesus stressed so much on "works" to new testament believers like you and me. What we do doesn't go unnoticed by God. Quit thinking God doesn't see what you do or to think he's unconcerned about it. He is very concerned. Imagine Jesus saying, "I know thy works". If they're good enough, he would not need to say, " I have this against you". Our reward will be based on our work: "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give EVERY MAN( Believers&Unbelievers) according as his work shall be", Rev22:12. How is your work? When your work is no different from that of worldly people, you'll receive their kind of reward- eternal damnation. Think about the kind of life you're living and your walk with the Lord, what will Jesus say about your works?