Reply To: Christian Character 2024/25 Discussion Board 1

[VictorKachi]

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

Works is not some esoteric religious concept. We are always doing works—some good, some bad, some indifferent. Our emphasis is on Good works as a product of an intimate relationship with Christ
First, what does “works” mean?
The word “works” means things we do, our actions.
In a theological context, “ergon” can refer to both good works, which are the fruit of faith, and works of the law, which cannot justify a person before God.(Berean Strong’s Lexicon)
For example, “good works” in Matthew 5:16 is from érga kalá, which means “good deeds,” and in Ephesians 2:10 is from érga agathá, which means “well-doing, virtue, piety” (Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament).

Clearly, we ain’t saved by good works, salvation is through grace. It is not something that can be earned through good works. Saving was all his idea. it is God’s gift from start to finish. He himself has made us who we are in christ Jesus. So none of us can boast. (Eph 2:8-10)
Are good works profitable?
According to James 2:24, good works are a natural result of saving faith, not a requirement for it.Been saved is by grace through faith.
1. Good works as a tool for effective witnessing.
The best witnessing comes from sharing what Jesus means to you. The best way to witness is to share how Jesus has changed your life and how he guides you. This aims at reaching out to the hopeless and brokenhearted, given them hope and a better future.
2. Good works bring Glory to the father:
Jesus set the example by doing good works Himself (John 10:32; Acts 10:38). And He tells us to do them as well. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
I’ve heard stories and testimonies of people who became born again as a result of an act of kindness from a brother or sister. They believed and confession was made unto salvation to the glory of God
What Good works can not do
1. Good works cannot justify us.
The good things we do cannot make up for the bad things we do. You could do a hundred, a thousand, a million good works, and they can’t pay for a single sin you have committed.
No, we can’t do any works to wipe out our sins. God demonstrates his love for us Rom 5:8
2. Good works do not get you into heaven.
If by our good works we could have a better standing in God’s sight, then christs’ death would have been in vain.
In summary, No action is good enough to provide our own salvation. No good deeds can undo the sins we have committed. Salvation is a gift only God can provide. No matter how much we desire to give salvation to another person, we cannot. Only God can offer the gift of eternal life. Instead, we are called to proclaim the gospel, live it, share it, pray for the salvation of others, and help people grow in the grace of God.