Works?

[The_Lords_Froggy]

I've seen in the Bible the verses that we are saved by Grace through Jesus Christ our Lord, and not of our own works, lest any man should boast.. I was just wondering..how do you know you're trusting in Jesus when you're doing your good works? How do you know that you're not doing them just to do them and are trusting in yourself? I'm confused about that concept. God bless!

 

[Sketcher]

Well are you doing something because of what God has done for you, or are you trying to get something from Him? Do you do good works in order to get to Heaven? Jesus died to get us into Heaven. Rather, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Eph 2:10) God works on us, and we simply cooperate.

True faith motivates us to action. Abraham took Issac to the mountain because he believed and trusted God (Heb 11:17-19). That is working from faith. Now, if we do something because we are afraid that we will be condemned if we don't - that is not trusting in what Jesus did. Once you have been born again, you are saved, period. We are to offer our lives to God as thankful worship (Romans 12:1), and I can't see how we can do that out of , but only out of security. The great Creator has gone through the worst of circumstances to bring little unworthy people like you and me into fellowship with Him. Yes, He is high and fearsome, but He calls us to sit in His lap.

As for "how do you know", I think you really know as you do the work.

 

[Biarien]

Question the motivations of your heart and see what they are. Christ told us that we should not pray to be heard, fast to be glorified, give to be seen, so this should apply to all our works. We should do works because of God's love for us, as a response to that love. Our attitude should be one of humility, our focus should be on our undeserved gift of salvation, and we should remember that we cannot do anything truly good without doing it in Christ.

 

[The_Lords_Froggy]

Most recently, people have gotten it into my mind that I can lose my salvation if I slip up and do things wrong. I have a tendency to lean towards that idea sometimes, even when I know that it's wrong, and we're all sinners. I don't want to sin, but sometimes I do things out of habit. I ask God to break the habit, and He's done very good so far. I just feel badly when I fail him, and sometimes I take the works part of it to mean different things. Often, I have to think about what I'm doing, because I'll say to myself "God would like it if I did this instead of that, so I will do the right thing." Is that wrong thinking..like, debating the works..? Very messed up teenager here..sorry. God bless ya'll.

 

[Dark_Lite]

Some Protestants will tell you all you have to do is believe and nothing else. Catholics will tell you good works and faith will get you to heaven. I will tell you, as will other Protestants who interpret the verses like that, is that works are not required for salvation but they are a fruit of the faith. Works without faith is dead.

 

[J.A.I]

Question the motivations of your heart and see what they are. Christ told us that we should not pray to be heard, fast to be glorified, give to be seen, so this should apply to all our works. We should do works because of God's love for us, as a response to that love. Our attitude should be one of humility, our focus should be on our undeserved gift of salvation, and we should remember that we cannot do anything truly good without doing it in Christ.

Ditto

 

[J.A.I]

TLF ~ Don't feel bad about your questions. The good thing is you're ASKING them, so it seems so obvious that you earnestly desire the truth, and that's awesome

In my opinion, and I am aware that this is debateable - You CAN lose your salvation if you turn your back on God and continue to deliberately, willingly, and knowingly sin, and not repent.. pretty much just turning your back on God. We are not perfect; God knows that But also if you're messing up, and you are TRYING to do better, God looks at your heart. Praise Him that you have conviction for that is a blessing right there!

As far as thinking about doing something b/c it is what God likes, there is nothing wrong with that. We are supposed to do things that are pleasing to God. Personally, there are times when I'd rather do my own thing, but I remember that will not please God, so I do what makes Him happy, rather than what makes ME happy.

As far as the whole faith and works (deeds) issue, they go hand in hand. Faith is what saves you. But the works come into play eventually, for you can't serve God without DOING things for Him, you get what I'm saying ?

If what I said is confusing, forgive me... It is not even 9am, and I am in English class, passing time..

 

[Rafael]

Seems to me that you are not so messed up, but asking the same questions many do while growing in grace. Learning to sort out the perfect will God has for you can be a bit confusing, as a teenager or even as an adult. Ultimately, our victory is all in Jesus, but because you are of God and His Spirit, you will always want to please Him and seek the best path towards serving Him better with the good works you were created unto. This is commendable, but I must tell you that the road is narrow and long with many enemies and trials ahead that you will find only one place for peace in - the Lord Jesus. Do the works that the Lord opens the doors in your life for you to do and don't waste time being condemned by the enemy or others opinions, and the Lord will always be there to direct your steps. We just have to grow in that trust and faith as we walk towards Him, and it is a blessing to know He forgives and helps us the whole way whether we fail and loose battles or win because the war has already been won for us. Keep your head up and keep looking to the light, my friend, and again, allow yourself to grow in grace with the peace of the Lord.

Pro 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

[The_Lords_Froggy]

That gives me inspiration for the future. Thank you for answering, all of you..and for those in the future. I'll pray for the site, and all of the Christians all over the world trying to spread the message and do God's will as the angels do it in Heaven. Glory be, and God bless.