Works that Save

Bulletin

Dan Peters
03/19/23 - Salvation

Works that Save

There are several different types of works in the Bible. Too many times people do not define which kind of works. They read the word “works” or “deeds”, and apply this to all works, which turns out to be a huge mistake in understanding.
1. Works of the Law of Moses: This kind does not save people, “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight” (Rom. 3:20). Paul repeats this idea in Rom. 3:27, 28, Rom. 4:2. etc. But don’t assume that no works will save you if the works of the Law of Moses will not save you. Another kind of work does save.
2.   Works of Righteousness: This kind does not save. “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness…” (Titus 3:5). People think that one good deed will erase a sin. No. Not so in God’s mind, nor in man’s. A murder may have done really good things in their life, but it doesn’t erase the murder.
3.   Works of Faith: This kind of works can save people. “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?” (James 2:14). A workless faith is no faith at all (Jam. 2:15-23). “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James 2:24). Baptism is a work of faith says Paul, “having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith…” (Colossians 2:12).
4. Works of Repentance: This kind of works can save people. Paul said he, “declared both to them of Damascus first, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judaea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.” (Act 26:20). Notice that phrase, “works worthy of repentance”. Repentance is a work, and one that must be done (Luke. 13:3). The church at Sardis had not repented enough, Jesus says, “ Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.” (Rev. 3:2). Notice they didn’t “complete” or “finish” their works of repentance. So Jesus adds, “Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent.” (Rev 3:3).
You must have a working living faith. “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,” (Titus 3:5). Jesus says you “must” be born again, of water and spirit (John 3:1-8). Don’t get baptized unless you mean it. Unless you are willing to die to sin, and come up from the water ready to do the “works worthy of repentance”.        Dan Peters