The Law Doesn’t Do It

The law doesn’t do what, justify. We do not find our justification through the upholding of the law. And by law I am speaking primarily of the law of man, but also the law of God. I have written that even those who do not know God and the gospel still have His law written on their hearts. Where that is true, I have also written that they still have not arrived and are still accountable to their sins.

This morning I am again for the umpteenth time in Galatians at the passage titled in my ESV Bible, “Justified by Faith”, and that could not be more true to me where I am in my study of the word “law”. You see, we are aware of the law and we know that we are to keep it. But, we are incapable of keeping the law perfectly. As such, we cannot be justified by the law. The law is there to guide us by providing a living standard.

“¹⁵We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; ¹⁶yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” – Galatians 2:15-16 (ESV)

We need Jesus Christ to be justified. Our faith in His coming and taking on the consequences of our sin, even as He had no sin. We turn to Him to be our salvation and not the works of the law, as keeping the law does nothing for us.

“¹⁹For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God.” – Galatians 2:19 (ESV)

Keeping the law is a reaction to our new found justification. We keep the law as we are guided to do so by the Holy Spirit who resides in us thanks to our justification. We know that the LORD sent Jesus to die for our sin and that I deserved to die for those sins. With our justification comes a desire to be more like Jesus and it is the law that provides the guardrails as to our actions. But again, this is a result of our justification and it does not get us there, that comes from our faith. The law doesn’t do it.

What is your approach to justification? Are you of the view that following the law will somehow give you the high ground? What if it is a result of justification that you follow the law and you were to find justification through faith in Jesus Christ?

Righteous By Faith Not the Law

So, we have the Law of the LORD on our hearts and we inherently know the Law and yet upholding the Law is only so we are accountable. Then what is the point of the Law.

“⁸For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” “³¹Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.” “²¹But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—“ — Romans 3: 28, 31, & 21, (ESV)

The Law of the LORD is in place as a demonstration of our following of Christ. We are following the Law of the LORD to bring glory to Him. In the process of following the Law, those around us can see that we are indeed different than others. This difference is leading to our righteousness, not because we are following the Law of the LORD, but we have faith in Him and that leads to our following the Law.

Why do we not steal? Well because it is wrong, not because there is punishment. Same for breaking into houses, we don’t do it because it is wrong. In following the Law of the LORD, we do it not to gain something, but because it is right.

I am fortunate to know the LORD and therefor I have been justified through my faith in Him. I follow the Law of the LORD, not to gain righteousness, but because I am justified and demonstrate that justification through my actions of following the Law.

Why do you follow the Law? Are you working to gain something from it? What if you were to realize that you follow the Law of the LORD not to gain something, but because you have justified by faith in Him and following the Law is your demonstration of your justification?

No Salvation Due to Works of the Law

“²⁰For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” – Romans 3:20 (ESV)

There is no excuse for us as we are fully aware of the Law of the LORD as He has written it on our hearts. Because of that, we are accountable to the Law of the LORD to follow the Law. But even as such, we are not justified by our works. No matter how much we do in the Law of the LORD or what actions we take, those works are not going to do anything for us in the line to salvation. It is not the works that bring us to salvation, but our hearts in the following of the Law that the LORD has written there.

“⁹Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? ¹¹If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” – Matthew 7:9-11 (ESV)

You see, even evil among us know how to take action that is right, but that action does not make righteous. We are judged according to our actions, but we are saved according to our heart, our acknowledgment of, our acceptance of, and our devotion to our LORD and to His works for His Glory and not our own. We take action not to gain salvation, but as an outward display of our salvation the new condition of our heart.

Where does your salvation come from? Are you striving to do the best for the world to see in hopes that you will be rewarded? What if your reward has already been given through salvation and now you do works to show the condition of your heart?

The LORD Rewards According to the Heart

“²³…And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of your according to your works.” – Revelation 2:23b (ESV)

I have to remember that the LORD is looking in my heart. He is searching for the works that I have performed in this world, and where those works started from. It is up to me to ensure that all of the works that I am performing in this world are coming from my heart and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“¹⁹I know your works, you love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.” – Revelation 2:19 (ESV)

Here we see the Revelation of Jesus Christ and is related to the Church in Thyatira. We see that He knows the works performed and the order of those works in the lives of the church. We should be looking for similar words from the LORD about us. We should seek to ensure that our works today are greater than our works of yesterday and that those works are driven from our heart which is filled by the LORD and guided by the Holy Spirit.

Whether we are guided from our heart by the world or by the Holy Spirit, we are rewarded in heaven for that work. When guided by the world, we are rewarded with the wrath of God. When guided by the Holy Spirit we are rewarded with treasures in heaven. But regardless, our reward is from the LORD and specific to each of us according to the works found to have come from our heart.

What works are guided from you heart? Are you proceeding to please the world? What if you were to proceed as guided by the Holy Spirit to the Glory of the LORD?

When We Die

When our lives come to an end here in this world, what happens? Well, we go to be with Christ. But we go to be with Him in spirit until the second coming. Our bodies stay behind and we make our way to the intermediate Heaven or Hell, based on our faith in Christ.

We will be there with Christ awaiting the second coming to accompany Him in battle and then once the battle is won, Heaven will come down and we will be rewarded with our room in the New Heaven.

Well, at death we find ourselves in either Heaven or Hell, is that the end of it from a judgment point of view. Not exactly. This is only the first judgment and is solely reliant on our faith in Christ as our savior and Lord. Our acceptance that He died so that we did not have to determines whether we will get Heaven or Hell in this first judgment.

There is a final judgment, although the timing of it is constantly debated. This final judgment is where we are held to account for the works done in this world. No, our works do not determine our salvation, that is done through our faith and got us to Heaven or Hell in the first judgment. But, we are held to account for the works we performed once we arrive.

These works determine our reward. I like to think of it this way. I have already received the acknowledgment from the teacher that I completed the work. Now I get to go back to the desk of the teacher to collect the gold stars for the quality of the work performed. The neatness of the work gets one star. The help I provided my peers gets another star. The cheering on of the others in class gets another star.

The same holds true for those in Hell. The final judgment accounts for all the ways that we failed in this world. The way we snickered when watching the elderly struggle crossing the street. The actions we took to end someone’s life. The hatred we displayed at people of faith. All will be judged and counted out.

So, when we die in this world a few things happen. Our spirit will leave our body. We will be separated by our faith to the intermediate Heaven or Hell. We will worship and prepare for battle. We are reunited with our bodies at the second coming of Christ. We are ushered into the New Heaven or Hell once the battle is complete. We will receive final judgment as to our works and those will count for the rewards received.

What is your view of what happens when you die? Are you of the opinion that everything is just, well over at that point? How would your approach to this life change, knowing that there is more to it than just the ending of life in this world?

Jesus and The Father

“³⁰I and the Father are one.” – John 10:30 (ESV)

The words of Jesus that I believe.

We might dismiss the unity of Jesus and the Father. Jesus was man in this world walking with us and experiencing all that we experience. God is the almighty being that was larger than man. How could they be unified, much less the same?

I will admit to thinking the same things as I go through this world. And then I read passages in God’s Word that remind me of their unity and sameness. Jesus makes it clear that His followers know Him at the sound of His voice. We know God by the sound of His voice. I am a follower of Jesus and therefore am a follower of God and know the sound of His voice, which is the same.

I know, that seems a bit of a rounder that may not make sense to some. Let me try something else. Ever notice how a child just knows the sound of their parents voice. When mom or dad cries out for them, they know and will come running. Well, God is our Father and when He calls out, we know and come running. When Jesus calls out, we hear the same voice, we know and come running.

When God did miraculous things in the world, the world understood them to be from God and would worship and glorify Him as a result. Yet, when Jesus did the miraculous, he was looked upon as somehow appropriating the works of God. But, if Jesus was doing the same miraculous works that God was doing, how is it that He was appropriating, wouldn’t He be acting as God in those situations?

“³⁷If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; ³⁸but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” – John 10:37-38 (ESV)

Jesus points out that even if He is not believed to be the Son of God, we still must believe the works that He is performing as those coming from God. As they are coming from God, then He must be of God and therefor He and God are unified and as we know it, they are one.

I have to remember that Jesus is the human form of God. He was here in this world to experience it and demonstrate to us that all that is known can be acted on, even those things that are hard. Jesus did not have it easy in this world, he experienced loss, persecution, He was doubted, He got by being content with what was available. And yet, with all that seemed to be against Him, He continued doing the work of the Father here in this world for all of us to witness and behold. He and the Father are one.

What is your view of Jesus in this world? Are you looking to Him as some figure of the church or a figment of the stories? What if you did see the work He did as that of and from God and saw that He indeed was only doing as a result of being one with God?

Good Works are Coming, Be Ready

I never know when I am going to have the opportunity to witness to and influence someone. I may not even know in the moment or unless they indicate that to me later. Recently someone reached out to me, out of the blue, asking for my thoughts on a particular subject, I provided my thoughts and then she told me she appreciated the learning I had provided her. I asked what it was and she proceeded to tell me. Now it is something that I indicate all the time and have not been told of the impact it has on others until this time. I was taken aback in the moment as I was finally recognized for the impact even as I did not even know of the impact.

All of the above is to again say that we really do not know when we are going to have the opportunity to impact another, and sometimes the work we do that seems to go unnoticed actually has a profound impact. I have to be ready for those moments and stay with the works for Christ, round the clock.

“¹Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,” — Titus 3:1 (ESV)

Paul, speaking to Titus, indicates that we are to be at the ready at all times. The good works that are presented to us may come on quickly and if we are not ready, we may miss that which God has planned for us to complete. I have accepted Christ and been justified, now is the time for me to do the work and that will require for me to be seeking it out and ready for when it is presented.

I have to prepare. I know, if I don’t know what the work is, how can I prepare? I have to stick to the basics and that is to be aware and be the example of Christ at every turn. I have to live out the fruit of the Spirit in all that I do and that is where my preparation lies.

“²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ²⁴And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” — Galatians 5:22-26 (ESV)

Paul again indicates to be ready with the fruit of the Spirit. In doing so, we are able to “keep in step with the Spirit” and align ourselves with the work that God has for us. We will be ready to take on that which is presented and do so more as Christ would and be the example for others to see.

What is your approach to what is to come? Are you just working from moment to moment and waiting for the next thing to drop? What if you were to prepare, knowing the next work will be coming soon and when it does, you are ready to do the work of/for Christ?

Works Now, Grace Before I Began

This morning I am looking at another realization as I study “works”. Grace was granted by God well before I began. Yes, I know, I have looked at that grace comes before works as I am not able to “earn” my way to salvation from works, the works are a demonstration of my salvation given by God through grace and my faith in Him. But His grace predates my existence here in this world.

“⁸Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, ⁹who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,” — 2 Timothy 1:8-9 (ESV)

Paul has written to Timothy 2000 years ago and he indicates that God provided grace “before the ages began”. I came along in the now, relatively, and that puts me even further out from when grace was given. Therefore grace did come well before I began and my works are only a result of that grace.

The thing that I have learned, or was reminded and realized is that God’s grace was eternal and will be eternal. He gave it long ago for those who would receive and will continue to give to those who did receive and have yet to receive. It is faith in His grace where I have to remember to reside and do the works to demonstrate that faith in His grace.

Now that I have learned or reminded and realized of God’s grace well before I began, it is important that I remember it as I progress forward in this world and lean on His grace for all of my actions and works. I have to guard against being influenced by the world and falling into the trap of trying to “earn” my way. I have to trust Him and follow His direction.

“¹³Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” — 2 Timothy 1:13-14 (ESV)

Where are you leaning as you move forward? Are you leaning on the now with the works that you are doing and trying to earn your way? What if you realized that you have already received the grace that was given you even “before the ages began”?

Works are Conspicuous, Do Good Anyway

This morning was a simple read and work for understanding for me. I am to do good works regardless of how they look to the public.

“²⁴The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. ²⁵So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.” — 1 Timothy 5:24-25 (ESV)

Paul, writing to Timothy here indicates to him that the work that is done will be conspicuous, regardless of the true nature of the work being done. Those who sin as well as those who are doing good works. These will always fall of some the wrong way and will call into question the motives and work of those doing.

With this being known, there are two roads to follow. The one will lead to destruction as it is carrying out the work of the evil one. There may be short term wins as the evil one continues to keep you under his thumb. The reality of those being sins and leading to destruction may be immediate or they may come later once everything is brought into the light. Remembering that evil does not like the light and as long as there is darkness surrounding, all will seem to be fine.

Then there is the good works that are done. Yes, they too, according to Paul may be conspicuous as there will be plenty who will question the motives and sincerity of the works as we have been taught that if is seems to good to be true, then it probably is. Paul is instructing Timothy to do the good works anyway. The good works will be seen in the light and there is nothing to be concerned with. If/when these works are seen, they will impact someone with the love of Christ and it, “cannot remain hidden”. It is important to do the work of Christ and not apologize for the work.

My pastor is currently working through a sermon series of the book of James and covered James 4:13 – 5:6. In this passage and sermon, verse 17 stuck out and applies here to my study this morning.

“¹⁷So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” — James 4:17 (ESV)

I know what the right thing is to do, good works. I have simply to do them. I cannot be concerned with what others believe my motives to be. I can only to do the work and know that I am honoring God and continuing the plan He has for me in my life. He will make the work meaningful and touch those it was intended to touch and make the difference it was intended to make. My role is to simply move on to the next good work and allow God to use me and that work for His glory once again.

What are you doing in the world? Are you aware that regardless of the work you are doing, some will consider it conspicuous? What if you were to just do the good work and allow God to use that work for His glory and you just move on to the next good work?

Our Works Prepared for Us Ahead of Time

“⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)

This morning I was expecting again to be led to a passage to learn more about how works are not what leads to our salvation, it is faith. I was not wrong in my expectation. The passage I read in Ephesians 2 is titled in my ESV Bible is: “By Grace Through Faith”. And of course I was not disappointed in my learning.

Where I was not wrong in my expectations this morning, I did pick up on something else that hit me more squarely in the forehead. My works were/are prepared for me. Notice in verse ten above that we were created to complete works that God prepared “beforehand”. This further illustrates that I am not doing works to earn anything. I am doing works as a result of something that was completed in me, salvation through faith.

In my walk through this world, I have to remember certain things that will lead me in the direction of my kingdom purpose. One of those was more clearly revealed to me this morning. I have works to do, that were predetermined for me well before they were revealed to me. I was created by God, to do the works He has created for me.

I have, written in my Bible many notes throughout Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and the above verses are no exception. Although those notes are all centered around the premise of faith gives way to salvation and salvation leads to works for the LORD. It one note that I am drawn to for verse ten that goes along with my realizations this morning, that I had not considered until now. The note reads: “We now have a Renewed Purpose”. This purpose is to live out the works that God has prepared for me. I have to be seeking out not just to do good works for the LORD, but to do the good works “which God prepared beforehand” for me. I was selected by God and to go along with that selection, He has a plan for me and that plan has certain works directly for me.

What is your understanding of the works you are completing? Are you just going along waiting for the next? What if you were to approach every good work as the good work “which God prepared beforehand” for you?