Not of Works

We know, beyond doubt, that we are not saved by good works. Unlike every other religion on the planet, we don't get into heaven by being good ... or "good enough." Paul is explicit.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Eph 2:8-9)

We are not saved on the basis of our works. God "has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity" (2 Tim 1:9). There are those who would argue, then, that works have nothing to do with it. All the moral behavior that Christians are typically heard to call for is meaningless. If we're not saved by works, then what we do doesn't matter ... right?

If that makes sense to you, perhaps you should look at the verse that follows Ephesians 2:8-9. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" (Eph 2:10). Interesting, isn't it? After explicitly eliminating works as a basis for salvation, Paul reinserts works as a necessary outcome. We are saved apart from our works "according to His own purpose." What purpose? We are "created in Christ Jesus for good works." What's the difference? Well, first, natural man lacks the ability to perform the good that God intends (Rom 3:12). Second, believers, born of God, aren't doing the good works on their own. They are works "which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." We do them because "it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure" (Php 2:13). We are purposed and powered by God. As such, our good works glorify God (Matt 5:16). According to James, faith without works is dead faith (James 2:17). We are not saved by works, but the good works that God produces in us once are saved are proof of life, so to speak.

It's interesting, then, to see this juxtaposition in Paul's letter to Titus. He explained that we were all sinners, but "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5). Okay, we got it. Not saved by our works. But he went on to say that Titus should lead believers to "be careful to engage in good deeds" (Titus 3:8). He even says, "These things are good and profitable for men" (Titus 3:8). It's good for us to do good. And there is a last piece tossed in here in Paul's letter to Titus. "Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful" (Titus 3:14). Good deeds should aim at meeting pressing needs. Not felt needs. Not desires. Pressing needs. Doing this, he says, makes your life fruitful. As Jesus told His listeners, "Go and do the same" (Luke 10:37).