WITHOUT GOOD WORKS CAN I REALLY BE SAVED?

A compilation of Scriptures by Dan Beeson 3 December 2022

www.vigilantvaliant.com dan@vigilantvaliant.com

Contents

INTRODUCTION

ARE WORKS REQUIRED FOR SALVATION?

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR SALVATION?

SCRIPTURES THAT SEEM TO SAY ONLY FAITH IS REQUIRED

THE THIEF ON THE CROSS

JUSTIFIED AND SANCTIFIED

SCRIPTURES THAT SEEM TO SAY WORKS ARE REQUIRED

WORKS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

WORKS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

YESHUA TELLS US TO DO GOOD WORKS

YESHUA (JESUS) OUR EXAMPLE DID GOOD WORKS

IS IT JAMES (WORKS) VERSUS PAUL (FAITH)?

WE SHALL BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO OUR WORKS!

WHY WE CANNOT BE SAVED BY GOOD WORKS

CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION

A dear friend of mine has pointed out to me, on more than one occasion, that I don't always say biblical truths in the "most inviting" way. It is true, I lean more to the "Turn or Burn" approach than the "The Joy and Peace in the Bible" approach.

Therefore, for this Bible study, which was going to be titled "Without Good Works You Will Be Damned," she kindly led me to consider a more moderate title. On the basis of that conversation, a Bible study friend brainstormed with me to come up with the current title.

With that mindset of arriving at the same conclusions from different points of view, I include in this introduction a quote from an excellent website by Kris Jordan, Scripturesubjects.net. She is also a seeker of Bible truth.

While our initial points of view and styles are different, we both come to the same conclusion about what the Bible says about good works. Below are 3 paragraphs from her website, by her kind permission.

https://www.scripturesubjects.net/blog-questions/are-good-works-required-for-salvation

Are Good Works Required For Salvation?

by Kris Jordan

"Good works and obedience to God are the byproducts of salvation; not a means to obtain or generate it. Much like apples are never the cause of an apple tree’s living state but simply proof that the tree is alive, so are good works concerning salvation. Genuine faith in Jesus Christ for salvation will naturally produce good works and godly obedience, which increase in measure as believers spiritually mature. It is believers’ new Christ-like nature that generates the inner desire to live for Jesus, obey His Word, and help others.

Salvation expressing itself through good works does not depict a "salvation by works" model. It illustrates the point that, although someone can exercise good works without possessing genuine salvation, individuals cannot be born-again without demonstrating good works since those are derivatives of salvation. Therefore, born-again believers expressing their faith through good works go together like "fire and smoke" and "rain and clouds." Or, as James 2:26 describes, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (NASB).

Individuals claiming salvation without any evidence of good works or obedience to God in their lives do not possess saving faith, but a fabricated, nonexistent, dead faith. In other words, such assertions of salvation are false because saving faith — which trusts exclusively in God's grace for forgiveness and redemption through Jesus Christ — is characterized by an expression of good works. The book of James addresses this truth by distinguishing authentic salvation (saving faith) from pretense or charades (dead faith), using the evidence of good works as a determining factor."

As you can see by her article, there is a debate in Christianity about works versus faith. Are you saved by faith? Are you saved by works? Does it take a combination of the two?

This is NOT a study on how to be saved and receive eternal life. If you are not absolutely positive about your standing with Yahweh, The Living God, God the Father, then you might start with my short 11 page, light Bible study "How To Be Saved And Gain Eternal Life." In it we glance at 5 steps: Believe - have faith, Confess - repent, Be Baptized, Be Obedient, and Endure to the end. If that seems like common sense and Biblical truth to you, but you want to get more serious with God, you might continue with my longer 23 page study "How Jesus & His 12 Apostles Say We Are Saved." That is more serious, and deals with some of the questions growing and maturing Christians have. Then there is THIS Bible study. It is meant to address the dichotomy between mature Christians over the true and Biblically accurate positions of FAITH versus WORKS in our lives.

Wow, three Bible studies on how to be saved? Yes! Isn't that the first step of Christianity? Isn't that the first truly important question? So this may be considered as the third in a series of "How to be Saved" Bible Studies. Let us forget our programming. Let us forget what we have been taught by man. Let us even put aside our own wishes and hopes and fears. Let us just search for what Yeshua, Jesus in English, said on salvation, and what His apostles who lived and learned from Him for three years said on salvation, and the relationship between Faith and Works. Above all, let us seek the TRUTH.

"31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31 NIV)

Yeshua said IF we hold to His teaching, we will know the truth. And in that verse, the part that the whole world quotes, "the truth will set you free." So it is Yeshua's teachings we need to study, and secondarily, His apostles who we trust were teaching what they learned from their master. We will usually include verses before and after our main scripture point, so that we are not guilty of "cherry picking", selecting only scriptures that support some preconceived belief we might have, and ignoring scriptures against that belief. We also want to be cognizant that "A text, out of context, is a pretext." So we will include leading and training verses, where applicable.

Note that even in that one verse above, people love the second half, but most totally ignore the first half. They love to hear "will set you free," but do not want to hear "IF you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples." That is not so happy of a statement. That is not so easy of a statement. That does not "tickle their ears." That requires WORK!

Who am I to do a study? I am nobody, a common man, a stumbling Christian, an everyday American. But, through all my failings and sins, I love God and want to be obedient to Him, though I can almost see Him rolling His eyes as I say that. And my guardian angel has probably asked for hazardous duty pay or to be reassigned dozens of times. But like you, I read the Bible and try to understand it. So I study it in my own way. This writing is one of my studies.

I respect honest men and women of God and their right to interpret the Bible and teach it, but at the bottom line, we each need to believe God’s word and Yeshua’s words above human teachers.

What if the scriptures seem contradictory? What if 60 verses say “x and two seem to say “y”? If I can’t resolve the differences, it seems reasonable to me to go with the 60. Does that seem reasonable to you? I don’t think God requires us to know Greek and Hebrew and somehow catch translation and transcription errors from a thousand years before we were alive. But I do think He expects us to do our best. He will take it from there. His Holy Spirit will help us.

Most of my Bible Studies attempt to have EVERY SCRIPTURE IN THE BIBLE on the topic. Some people have complained that it is just TOO MANY Bible verses. But my Bible Studies are to learn the TRUTH about what the Bible says, not what some denomination told me to believe, not what some person told me to believe, but what the Bible really says. I want ALL the scriptures on the topic. I want the scriptures those with opposing beliefs use as their key scriptures, so I can analyze them. I want to know their reason for believing the way they do, and give that a fair hearing. How can we find the “Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth” if we don’t have all the data, all the information available? Since my studies are meant to learn what the Bible really says on a topic, I typically use nothing from outside the Bible. Outside sources may or may not be valid. The ONLY place we can read the words of Yeshua (Jesus in English) is from the Bible. So yes, I hope I have found EVERY SCRIPTURE on the topic. If I have missed a scripture, if you find other scriptures that address the question, or if you can in any way help me improve this writing or see a mistake, please contact me at dan@vigilantvaliant.com and let me know. I have compiled below scriptures I found on this topic. If you like it, if it seems to be thorough and accurate, my other Bible Studies may be found on www.vigilantvaliant.com.

In my studies, I will use Yahweh (The Hebrew name of the One God), and the real name of the Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus in English), to the best of scholarly knowledge and opinion today. For more information on these names, please see the section "The Name of God and His Messiah" in the Addendum of my study "Does Jesus Want Christians to Obey the Ten Commandments?"

I use the James Version (KJV) only because it was by far the main English translation during my life. While there are other good translations of the Bible, I am using the one I am familiar with, the KJV. Yes, it is old-fashioned English, but it can also be poetic and beautiful. So, all scriptures are quoted from the KJV Bible (King James Version), unless otherwise noted. You can see more about the King James Version in the Addendum of my study "Does Jesus Want Christians to Obey the Ten Commandments? All scriptures will be indented and in italics. All Bolding, Underlining, Italicizing, (parentheses), highlighting, and [brackets] are done by me for emphasis.

END OF INTRODUCTION

ARE WORKS REQUIRED FOR SALVATION?

Unless you have been living under a rock, you know there is a great debate about whether GOOD WORKS are necessary for salvation. It is not very hard to find "proof texts" for anything we want to twist the Bible into saying. But finding the TRUTH about what the WHOLE Bible says, when all put together, takes more work. We must always remember that "A text, out of context, is a pretext."

WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR SALVATION?

As mentioned in the Introduction, my two previous Bible studies on "How to be Saved" found

5 steps to salvation: Believe - have faith, Confess - repent, Be Baptized, Be Obedient, and Endure to the end.

In this study we are examining the relationship between FAITH and BEING OBEDIENT, by doing GOOD WORKS out of LOVE!

So it all starts with FAITH, believing in Yeshua, but grows in obedience.

SCRIPTURES THAT SEEM TO SAY ONLY FAITH IS REQUIRED

A big part of the debate between WORKS and FAITH are the Epistles of James and Paul. Paul quotes perhaps the first statement supporting salvation by faith in the Bible.

"15 After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. 2 And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? 3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. 4 And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. 5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. 6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness." (Genesis 15:1-6)

"2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." (Romans 4:2-5)

One of many other examples of Paul's point of view follows.

"6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

This verse above is a wonderful reminder that we are saved by believing in Yeshua as the Son of God, and asking Him to be our savior. It says that to be "justified" works are not needed. And yet just a few chapters earlier, Paul says Yahweh would be UNJUST IF He overlooked our WORKS, which SHOW OUR LOVE!

"For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His name in serving the saints, as you still do." (Hebrews 6:10 ESV)

Is Paul flip-flopping back and forth? No! He is stating the need for BOTH. If we could be saved by doing good works, we could ignore God, live as we liked, but do good works also, and argue with God that He is required to save us because we did good works. Paul is stressing we must have a SAVING FAITH to be saved. James and Peter and John stress that the PROOF of our faith being the right kind, the real thing, is that we DO GOOD WORKS, out of love and obedience.

"8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.10 for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Again in the verse above, it says we are saved by grace through faith. It then says we are NOT SAVED by works.

"18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." (1 Corinthians 1:18-21)

How is mankind saved by preaching?

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)

So it is by hearing the Word of God that faith comes to us, through preaching or reading Scripture, wherein we hear the Word of God in our own minds as we read.

But if there are 5 steps to salvation; Believe - have faith, Confess - repent, Be Baptized, Be Obedient, Endure to the end, what about the thief on the cross?

This scripture is always brought up by those who would says that Christians do not need to do good works. But it is clear that this is a very special situation.

THE THIEF ON THE CROSS

This event is documented in 3 of the four gospels. We learn a little something different from each gospel. In Matthew we see the people remembered Yeshua's ONE SIGN to Israel, resurrecting after 3 days and 3 nights in the grave. In Mark we see one prophesy of the Messiah that Christ fulfilled, again that they remembered the ONE SIGN, and that at first, both thieves reviled Him. Then in Luke, we see the leaders and the people knew full well that Yeshua was telling them He is the Christ, the Messiah. Then one of the thieves repented and asked Yeshua to remember him.

"38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. 39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, 40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross." (Matthew 27:38-40)

"27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. 28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. 29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, 30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross. 31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. 32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him." (Mark 15:27-32)

"32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. 36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. 38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, This Is The King Of The Jews. 39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:32-43)

Some will say that based on the example of this thief, only faith is required to be saved. It is true, that of the 5 steps for salvation: Believe - have faith, Confess - repent, Be Baptized, Be Obedient, Endure to the end, ONLY FAITH is apparent in this thief, as we see in verse 42 that he believed Yeshua to be the King of Israel. So that must prove that ONLY FAITH is required for salvation.

Not so fast! This thief also Confessed - Repented! See verses 40-41 above. He confessed when he reminded the other thief that they had done wrong and deserved punishment. There was no time left for him to prove this was real repentance, a change of ways, but Yeshua accepted it, because He knew the man's heart.

Well, OK. So the thief did two of the five things, he believed - had faith, and he confessed - repented.

Not so fast. This thief did at least TWO GOOD WORKS!

"28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." (John 6:28-29)

So just believing in Yeshua, even after initially mocking Him, IS A WORK OF GOD!

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32)

Also the verse above gives good support that confessing or declaring to other men, who Yeshua is, is considered to be doing a good thing.

Whether or not you accept these two works of the thief on the cross, it is clear there was no time for him to be baptized, and no time for him to do other good works to prove his obedience.

The Bible gives no reason to think that this thief changed his mind before the end of his life, as that was just a few hours away. So it is very reasonable to think he ENDURED to the end of his life.

So the thief on the cross completed three of the five actions required for salvation; he Believed - had faith, Confessed - repented, and Endured to the end. The only things missing were to Be Baptized and to Be Obedient. I won't push this farther by pointing out that he was obedient to the end of his life, as that was almost too short to count.

JUSTIFIED AND SANCTIFIED

For the thief to enter into the Kingdom of God, or Paradise, he had to be JUSTIFIED. He had to be forgiven for his sins, and the penalty of his sins paid for. Thank The Living God that He sent Yeshua (Jesus in English) to pay the price of our sin.

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

We sinned, and we earned death. Everybody dies physically, so this is speaking of spiritual death, or total death, the second death, being thrown into the Lake of Fire and burned to nothingness.

But Yeshua offered HIS life up for OUR life. God is JUST and justice was maintained. Faith in Jesus justifies us.

What must follow in all believers who do not die immediately after salvation, like the thief on the cross did, is that they must also be SANCTIFIED. Sanctification is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ.

"9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

"1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." (1 Thessalonians 4:1-7)

"6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness." (Hebrews 12:6-10)

"13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)

"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied." (1 Peter 1:2)

Notice above, that sanctification is to lead to OBEDIENCE.

By the sprinkling of blood Peter is comparing us accepting the blood of Christ for the New Covenant, and the Israelites agreeing to the Old Covenant by the sprinkling of the blood of an offering.

"3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do. 4 And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the Lord. 6 And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient. 8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words." (Exodus 24:3-8)

Peter makes it clear that some are "scarcely" or "barely" saved. This may mean that they have not stored up treasure in Heaven, as Yeshua tells us often to strive to do.

"18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator." (1 Peter 4:18-19)

Job was feeling this when he made the famous statement, ever memorializing the phrase "by the skin of my teeth."

"19 All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me. 20 My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth." (Job 19:19-20)

But is that the way we want to enter into eternity, by the skin of our teeth?

I would guess that you, as I, would like to enter into God's Kingdom as a good and faithful son, and obedient son.

SCRIPTURES THAT SEEM TO SAY WORKS ARE REQUIRED

Some will be taken aback at my last statement. "Who does he think he is?" "I know some of his life story. Good is not how I would describe it!" I know who I am. I am a child of the Living God. Sadly, the beginning of my life did not show that. But now that I have turned, now that God has opened up some scriptural truths to me, I am now striving to be a good and faithful son. And I have a commission from my Father to do so, AS YOU DO!

The word WORKS is used 224 times in Bible (KJV), 116 times in the Old Testament, and 108 New Testament.

We are looking for GOOD WORKS of a person, not works of God (except as an example to us), or physical works of men like building things.

WORKS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

While the word "works" is used 116 times in the Old Testament, it is almost always used about God and His works. Following are the few times it is used of men in the Old Testament.

Moses did works. We know the power of the works was Yahweh, but He chose Moses to physically interact with Pharaoh, and Moses therefore says he did these works.

"And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the Lord hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind." (Numbers 16:28)

"Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it." (Psalm 34:14)

"Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." (Psalm 37:3)

"Depart from evil and do good, So you will abide forever." (Psalm 37:27)

"By Your favor do good to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem." (Psalm 51:18)

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it." (Proverbs 3:27)

"Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established." (Proverbs 16:3)

"If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his works?" (Proverbs 24:12)

"Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works." (Ecclesiastes 9:7)

"13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

The verse above shows that EVERY WORK will be judged, good AND bad works.

Though the following verse is about bad works, it still shows God rewarding men for their works, good or bad.

"For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands." (Jeremiah 25:14)

Though Jonah was not too happy about it, Nineveh did good WORKS to show God they had repented.

"And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not." (Jonah 3:10)

WORKS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

      YESHUA TELLS US TO DO GOOD WORKS

"14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

One reason for us to do good works, out of obedience, is for people to glorify and thank God!

"15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:15-23)

In the following verses, Christ says unambiguously we shall be rewarded for our works.

"1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly." (Matthew 6:1-4)

"And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." (Matthew 10:42)

"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." (Matthew 16:27)

But the works must be done for the right reason, out of LOVE and OBEDIENCE, not for our own benefit.

"3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments," (Matthew 23:3-5)

How will God reward every person? He will render according to his WORKS.

"14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 25:14-30)

In the verses below, Yeshua is talking to people who think of themselves as Christians, for they call Him Lord. It gives a concise list of good works, but note, He turns away those who call Him Lord because they did NOT DO GOOD WORKS.

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." (Matthew 25:31-46)

The apostles saw a man doing good works, miracles in fact, of casting out devils, in the name of Jesus.

"38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. 9 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 40 For he that is not against us is on our part. 41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward." (Mark 9:38-41)

The KJV's "On our part" isn't the best translation.

38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us. 39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward." (Mark 9:38-41 NIV)

Also above, note that even the smallest good work, like giving a thirsty Christian a cup of water, will earn a reward for doing a good work.

"For whoever is not against us is for us." from the NIV and many other English translations is in obvious contradiction to: “He that is not with me is against me;" from the KJV and many other English translations also.

"He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." (Matthew 12:30)

But above we show that IN CONTEXT, Yeshua is saying this about one who is working like a disciple for Him! The disciples didn't like it that this man wasn't hanging around with Yeshua and them every day. He was not one of the group. But Yeshua says he was NOT fighting against them, or being "neutral" but obviously working on their side. He was proving it by his WORKS.

The same idea shown in Matthew, of rewarding a person for his works, is repeated in Luke.

"12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. 22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: 23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? 24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. 25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) 26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him." (Luke 19:12-26)

While some would spiritualize these verses to have no meaning in the physical life, why should we throw away the straight-forward meaning? The Lord gave something to the servants, and expected them to DO something good with what they were given. The Lord required WORK from them AND rewarded them according to their WORK.

'15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:15-23)

"31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." (Matthew 25:31-46)

In Matthew 7 and Matthew 25, the two verse selections above, Yeshua clearly tells us straightforward that we will be judged according to our WORKS!

Besides giving us an example to do good works, Yeshua says that believing in Him IS A GOOD WORK".

"28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." (John 6:28-29)

Following are more scriptures about believers doing good works. Scriptures about bad works are not included.

"But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:21)

"31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. 38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. 39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. 41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. 42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? Even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. 46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” (John 8:31-47)

So GOOD WORKS are a sign which help others believe in God.

"32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. 34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; 36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? 37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him." (John 10:32-38)

      YESHUA (JESUS) OUR EXAMPLE DID GOOD WORKS

We all know that Yeshua (Jesus in English) is our example.

"15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." (John 13:15)

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29)

"5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:5-8)

"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:" (1 Peter 2:21)

“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1Jonn 2:6)

The following verses give us insight as to the place of works in His life and ours. Yeshua said that the works He was doing testify that Yahweh sent Him. The works are a testimony, or witness, or proof.

“I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me." (John 5:36)

"24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" (John 10:24-27)

"1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing." (John 9:1-7)

The two verses below point out the many works Yeshua did as the Christ, giving us an example to do GOOD WORKS.

"Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples," (Matthew 11:2)

"Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:" (Matthew 11:20)

Yeshua said He was working the Works of God. Yeshua is our example, so we should do good works.

      OTHERS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT SAYING TO DO GOOD WORKS

"19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance." (Acts 26:19-20)

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:" (2 Corinthians 9:8)

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;" (Colossians 1:10)

"6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you." (Titus 2:6-8)

            IS IT JAMES (WORKS) VERSUS PAUL (FAITH)?

While some people frame the question this way, it is not that simple. It is not just James who is trying to impress upon Christians that they should do good works out of obedience and love, or Paul who is trying to impress upon Christians that they must have faith in Yeshua Hamashiach, Jesus the Messiah. They are both saying the same thing, from different viewing angles.

Paul is the author of what might be called the Great Faith Chapter of the Bible, Hebrews 11. Here is part.

" 11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:1-10)

Paul states strongly that Abraham was justified by faith.

"2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." (Romans 4:2-5)

James says faith without works is dead faith. I believe it is safe to say this is a FALSE FAITH.

"22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1:22-27)

"14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" (James 2:14-20)

You may say, "But I have faith in God and Jesus!"

"19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19)

The devils KNOW who Yeshua is and KNOW that He is real, and that He has all power over them. All this knowledge does not save them.

Believing or knowing alone doesn't save anyone. Consider the scenario where your apartment building is on fire, and you're on the 4th floor, and all the stairwells are burning. You look out of your window and see the fire department on the ground below with a Browder Life Net (the trampoline-like safety device). You see it, you know it is there, but you are afraid to jump. They are calling to you, pleading with you, positioning themselves carefully below you, but you are afraid to jump. You do not doubt that they are there. You do not doubt that the Life Net has worked to save people. You know it is much safer to jump than burn. But you are afraid to jump. Without ACTION, you will burn. You need to DO something. Real faith requires action, works. If you do not jump, you are proving you don't REALLY BELIEVE the firemen will save you. You have head knowledge, head faith, but not heart faith, not real faith. You do not really believe.

Faith in Yeshua Hamashiach, Jesus the Messiah, works the same way.

James wants to point out that Abraham, the "father of the faithful", PROVED his faith by works.

"21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2:21-26)

Be careful to understand what James is saying above. He does use the word justified instead of sanctified, however the context shows he is saying Abraham SHOWED or PROVED his faith by DOING SOMETHING, by works. Do not twist James words to say we can be saved by WORKS, if we really dislike or disrespect God. That is like the faith of the deamons above, they believe because they know, but they tremble, because they also know they are being disobedient, and will one day be punished.

Verse James 2:24 above is key, it is foundational. "Not by faith ONLY!"

In fact, James says NOT DOING GOOD WORKS IS SIN!

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." (James 4:17)

Paul is trying to keep people from thinking that WORKS SAVE THEM. He says if they did, then people could boast.

"Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay: but by the law of faith." (Romans 3:27)

"Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works," (Romans 4:6)

"6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. 9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. 10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.;" (Romans 9:32)

Election is a deep and difficult study, and won't be addressed here other than pointing out what Paul is saying. We can not FORCE God to accept us by doing good works.

In many more scriptures Paul tries to teach people that they can NOT BE SAVED BY doing good works or obeying the law. But the overall context proves that Paul means WITHOUT FAITH!

"For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." (Romans 2:13)

"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16)

"This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:2)

"He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:5)

"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." (Galatians 3:10)

In fact Paul speaks often about the need for Christians to do good works, because of their faith.

Repeating a verse from above, with different emphasis, we see Paul outright tells Christians they are created to do good works, and should walk a life of doing works.

"8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.10 for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Below is a scripture many quote without grasping the full significance of Paul's meaning. As you read the verses below, consider that Paul has set up a dichotomy, contrasting the WORKS of the flesh with the FRUIT of the spirit. You know that when the word WALK is used in the Bible, it often means to LIVE in the way you BELIEVE, to DO what you know is RIGHT. Paul says "If we live in the Spirit, let us WALK in the spirit." Does this mean anything less than that Christians are to DO the WORKS that are evidence of the Spirit within us, as believers? How can you be gentle, unless you are gentle to someone? How can you show love, unless it is shown to someone? How can you know your neighbor is good, unless you see him doing something good for someone?

"18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:18-25)

Again Paul is telling Christians to do good works.

"8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." (1 Timothy 2:8-10)

"9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man. 10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work." (1 Timothy 5:9-10)

"10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:10-12)

"17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

"That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:17)

How can you show love and patience and meekness, unless you DO WORKS that show these fruit to others?

"13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: 14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." (Isaiah 29:13-14)

"They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." (Titus 1:16)

Above, Isaiah quotes God, and is echoed by Titus, saying they may SAY they love Me, but they do not do the Good Works I have commanded. Then below Yeshua quotes His Father and ours, as prophesied by Isaiah.

"7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Matthew 15:7-9)

"Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work," (Titus 3:1)

"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:14)

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" (Titus 3:5)

"This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men." (Titus 3:8)

"And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful." (Titus 3:14 NKJV)

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:" (Hebrews 10:24)

So Paul, who many use as the scriptural basis for NOT NEEDING TO DO WORKS, shows by MANY scriptures that he agrees with James, that GOOD WORKS are expected from the children of God.

While Paul is arguing that Abraham was saved by faith, Yeshua points out that Abraham did good WORKS.

"They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham." (John 8:39)

He goes even farther. Yeshua says IF we are children of Abraham, we would do the works of our father, Abraham. This makes it very clear that if we are children of God, we should be doing the WORKS of God.

Those who may think we can be saved by doing good works often quote James 2:24 but read the following carefully. James is clearly saying we are justified by works that PROVE OUR FAITH, for he says "not faith only!"

"14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2:14-26)

Peter and John totally agree with James in this balance of faith AND works.

"11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;" (1 Peter 2:11-13)

"9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it." (1 Peter 3:9-11)

"Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous." (1 John 3:12)

            WE SHALL BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO OUR WORKS!

From the mouth of Yeshua Himself, in the Book of Revelation, at the end of the Bible, He tells the churches over and over, "I know your works." Revelation also says that men will be JUDGED ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS!

"1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." (Revelation 2:1-5)

Yeshua says directly to Christians, "Repent and do the first works."

"8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." (Revelation 2:8-10)

Just a note on another topic, it is how we FINISH the race that determines if we win. Yeshua says we need to be faithful through the day we die.

"12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth." (Revelation 2:12-13)

"18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first." (Revelation 2:18-19)

"And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works." (Revelation 2:23)

"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God." (Revelation 3:1-2)

"7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name." (Revelation 3:7-8)

"14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:14-16)

Are you a "lukewarm" Christian? Is that what you want to be?

"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." (Revelation 14:13)

"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." (Revelation 20:12)

"And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works." (Revelation 20:13)

"12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:12-14)

Going back to the Old Testament and through the entire Bible, we find verses that show that a man will be judged by his works.

"Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth lovingkindness; For thou renderest to every man according to his work." (Psalm 62:12 ASV)

"If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not He render to every man according to his works?" (Proverbs 24:12)

"13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

"9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

"For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands." (Jeremiah 25:14)

“If a man is righteous and does what is just and right— if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor's wife or approach a woman in her time of menstrual impurity, does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment, does not lend at interest or take any profit, withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man, walks in my statutes, and keeps my rules by acting faithfully—he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord God." (Ezekiel 18:5-9 ESV)

“And you, son of man, say to your people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him when he transgresses, and as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall by it when he turns from his wickedness, and the righteous shall not be able to live by his righteousness when he sins. Though I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, yet if he trusts in his righteousness and does injustice, none of his righteous deeds shall be remembered, but in his injustice that he has done he shall die. Again, though I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ yet if he turns from his sin and does what is just and right, if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has taken by robbery, and walks in the statutes of life, not doing injustice, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the sins that he has committed shall be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he shall surely live." (Ezekiel 33:12-19 ESV)

'15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:15-23)

"31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." (Matthew 25:31-46)

"2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath," (Romans 2:2-8)

"10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." (Romans 14:10-12)

"Each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire." (1 Corinthians 3:13-15 ESV)

"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God." (1 Corinthians 4:5)

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." (2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV)

"For he who does wrong will be punished for his wrongdoing, and [with God] there is no partiality." (Colossians 3:25 AMP)

"13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" (1 Peter 1:13-19)

How can any Bible reading, Bible believing Christian, say they do not need to do good works to be truly saved?

As perhaps the Grande Finale, Yeshua tells us straight-forward, Christians who truly believe in Him WILL DO THE WORKS He had been doing. He has given us an example of doing good works. Certainly this must included living a Godly life, eschewing sin, telling others about God's Messiah and plan of salvation, reading the scriptures, and more.

"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:12)

"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." (John 15:14)

Yeshua Himself says if we are NOT DOING WORKS, we do NOT REALLY BELIEVE!

Yeshua Himself says if we do not DO His commandments, we are not REALLY His friends.

So James and Paul are not really arguing over WORKS or FAITH. They are just each stressing the need for one or the other. We have seen above that the devils themselves have FAITH, they believe in God, they have dealt with Him. But their belief, their faith, will not save them.

But James is instructing people on what "SAVING FAITH" really is. It is a faith that produces good works. It is a faith we ACT on. And James is firmly backed up by Yeshua saying that whoever believes in Him will do the WORKS He did.

It is not James versus Paul, but James together WITH Paul. That is what we need to read to gain a full understanding of salvation.

WHY WE CANNOT BE SAVED BY GOOD WORKS

After a section showing scriptures REQUIRING works for salvation, how can I now have a section saying we cannot be saved by doing good works?

Read the scriptures and see.

"20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. 21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. 23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? Saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? Are not your ways unequal? 26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. 27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. 28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

29 Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? Are not your ways unequal?

30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye." (Ezekiel 18:20-32)

As a side note, please realize in the selection of verses above, Yahweh says 9 times that the soul that sins shall DIE, not burn forever in hell. If you have read your Bible, and still believe that the lost, the damned, burn forever in a place called hell, please do yourself a favor, and read my Bible studies "Will Humans Be Tortured Forever In Hell?" and "Is There An Immortal Soul In Man?"

But the selection of verses above say something else also. After a lifetime of doing good works, if a man dies in unconfessed sin, he will truly die in the Lake of Fire. All his good works can not save him!

And again Yahweh repeats the same truth, through the mouth of Ezekiel.

"10 Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?

11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

12 Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth.

13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.

14 Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; 15 If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. 16 None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.

17 Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal. 18 When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. 19 But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. 20 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways." (Ezekiel 33:10-20)

These selections of verses from Ezekiel 18 and Ezekiel 33 show that the problem with works is that they are overwritten by the latest work. If we do charitable acts, kindnesses and other good works, then turn against God and do a few bad works, those evil works have erased the good works done in the past, and are written in their place. If we then die in that state, that is how we enter into judgment.

Remember what James said.

"8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty." (James 2:8-12)

So the weakness of works for salvation is that to be saved BY WORKS, we must be PERFECT in them. Thank God Our Father that He allows us to repent of our sins and confess them, for then He forgives us for our sins.

CONCLUSION

Thank Yahweh, The Living God, that Yeshua DID live a perfect life doing the WORKS of God, without any sin.

Please pray to Yahweh, the Almighty God, to guide you in your understanding of GOOD WORKS, and to show you the good works He has prepared for YOU to do!

Dan