For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
There are three ways to look at grace and works and only one is biblical. Some seem to think that we are saved by our works. Such folks, even after coming to Christ, continue to work feverishly hoping to make themselves acceptable or worthy of salvation. Another group confident in the work of grace believe no work is required of the saved at all.
The biblical view is that we are saved for good works.
The reality is that when you believe in Christ for salvation, you not only are declared right before God as Father, but you also begin to walk with God as friend. In addition to new birth, Jesus gives you new life: a life of joyful obedience and overflowing love. So when you hear Christ’s radical call to live sacrificially, you do not think, In the gospel I am free to flout his commands. Instead you think, In the gospel I am free to follow his commands. And the faith that God has graciously given to you begins to produce radical fruit from you.
Platt, David (2011-04-19). Radical Together: Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God (p. 30). Random House, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
It’s good to remember that our God loves us and his plan is designed to produce the best for us. A view that no works are necessary robs the believer of the joy that comes with being used for good works by God. A view that we are driven to good works by guilt robs the believer of the joy of being freely used. Only Gospel-driven obedience produces gospel-filled joy.
If the church is to get radical, we need to free ourselves of the tyranny of the good and latch on to the real gospel.
Be blessed.
Nick
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