Not of Works

Bill Brinkworth

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

The Bible clearly states that there is only one way to go to heaven. That way is by trusting in what Jesus did on the cross to pay for our sins. Good works cannot earn salvation from the punishment of sin.

Before I was saved, I was convicted of all the sins I had committed. Guilt from my sin was a mighty burden that was getting too difficult to carry. The religion I had been raised in taught me that forgiveness and salvation could be earned. I started wondering, “If the promise of heaven can be gained by good works, have I done enough? How many good deeds do I have to do? Is it 100? 200? 10,000?”

Since that time 28 years ago, my almost daily Bible reading has never shown me a number of good works one must perform to get to heaven. The reason a number is never stated is because good works have nothing to do with getting one to heaven. God’s Word clearly states that the only way to heaven is through what Jesus did for sinners on the cross. He paid the price for our sin. There is nothing we can pay to have our sins pardoned.

Although many nod their head in agreement to the verses stating that Jesus paid the price for our salvation, most still try to add deeds to be assured of their salvation. Some of the works performed for salvation are:

Although some of the deeds may be good things to do to please God after one is saved, they do not earn anyone a place in heaven. None of man’s good works are mentioned in the Bible as ways to heaven.

It may be natural thinking that if good deeds outweigh the bad deeds, that we will get to heaven. The Bible, God’s only word on the subject, clearly states that salvation is not of good works! Jesus is the only way – plus nothing!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesisans 2:8-9

“ Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:” II Timothy 1:8-10

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 (Good works are not included.)

 

April 12, 2007

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