Reply To: Christian Character Discussion Board 1

[Yeodikitekon Igani]

“Good works that stem out of a relationship with Christ Jesus are witnesses for Jesus”.

The nature of good works referenced in this quote is markedly different from that referenced in Eph. 2 : 8 – 9, as the latter refers to ethical conduct born out of a good moral standing; while the former refers to good works which are a reflection of the fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5 : 22 – 23). This set of good works are made possible by the power of God which is active in the person who produces them, and is exclusive to believers.

One Bible reference that gives life to this quote is Eph. 2 : 10. Here we find that it was always God’s intention for us to produce such good works. However, they differ from those referenced in v.9 because, such good works are motivated by the love of God which has been shed abroad in our hearts as believers (Rom. 5:5); unlike the other set of works which are designed to gain recognition amongst men.

As is characteristic of every love act of God expressed in His dealings with man, it is deployed with a sense of obligation and desire for the welfare of the one loved (Jn. 3: 16-17). Jesus when stating His purpose on earth (Mt. 15:24) equally emphasized this truth, as He declared that the target of this love are the lost souls of the world. It is for this reason that the Holy Spirit was imparted to believers (Jn. 14: 16-17), to serve as a companion and strengthener, that will enable them walk in this love, and sustain the productivity of the fruits of the spirit. For these fruits are the core of Christian character, and serve as a visible representation of the transformative power of God. Thus, attracting unbelievers to the light, and by implication Christ.

However, operating at this level is not automatic for the believer. It requires conscious and intentional effort on the part of the one who seeks to operate at this level, to commit to the renewal of the mind, by the continuous study and application of the Word (Rom. 12:2; Col. 1: 9-11). Only then can he say that he is producing the kind of works described in Eph. 2 : 10.

Therefore, good works that emanate from a relationship with Christ are indeed witnesses for Christ because, they are powered by the Spirit of God; motivated by the love of God; and express the power of God in the life of the person who produces such fruits. This becomes the force of attraction for the unbeliever, as it causes him to desire a similar experience.