Good Person
I've heard over and over the controversy of whether we are saved by faith or saved by works. Of course, we are saved by faith, so that we can't take credit for our own salvation. But the key is to know that as a Christian walking by faith, you will naturally want to do good works unto God. If you don't have an interest in glorifying, honoring, and acknowledging God with your daily work, then you may want to reconsider your salvation experience.
A friend lately noted that she knew a woman that goes to church, Bible studies and claims to be a Christian, but she doesn't have a testimony. In other words, she doesn't remember when, where or how she accepted the Lord as her Savior. My friend thought that was odd, as she remembers the wonderful feeling of the indwelling Holy Spirit when she was saved and later baptized.
I suggested she ask the woman the question used in Evangelism Explosion regarding, "If you were to die and go to heaven today, why should they let you in?" If a person notes that they were a "good person," "did good deeds," "volunteered at the church," or anything else except that they had faith in Jesus and His death and resurrection for their sins; they are believing to get into heaven by works vs. faith.
We are not good, no not one, so put your faith in Christ Jesus and let Him do the work in and through you according to His plans, not yours and I'll see you on the other side. The side with lots of bright light, not the one that's pitch black and really hot!
A friend lately noted that she knew a woman that goes to church, Bible studies and claims to be a Christian, but she doesn't have a testimony. In other words, she doesn't remember when, where or how she accepted the Lord as her Savior. My friend thought that was odd, as she remembers the wonderful feeling of the indwelling Holy Spirit when she was saved and later baptized.
I suggested she ask the woman the question used in Evangelism Explosion regarding, "If you were to die and go to heaven today, why should they let you in?" If a person notes that they were a "good person," "did good deeds," "volunteered at the church," or anything else except that they had faith in Jesus and His death and resurrection for their sins; they are believing to get into heaven by works vs. faith.
We are not good, no not one, so put your faith in Christ Jesus and let Him do the work in and through you according to His plans, not yours and I'll see you on the other side. The side with lots of bright light, not the one that's pitch black and really hot!
When Christ returns on His white horse, He'll be the hero, not us.
James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
Very good advice and one that should be heeded soon as we never know when the Lord will return. Thank you Kate...:-)
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