Reply To: Christian Character Discussion Board 1

[Wechie]

I love how you cited examples of good works.
I’d like to add that Ephesians 2:8–9 is clear that salvation does not come by works. But we miss the full implications of salvation if we stop reading in verse 9. Our works do not earn our salvation but our salvation should indeed lead us to a life of good works, works God has prepared “for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 starts with the phrase “For we are God’s handiwork.” The word “for” connects verse 10 with what precedes it, especially the fact that we have been saved by grace.
Yes, we are saved by God’s grace however receiving this gift means living with and for God in a new way. The Greek reads, “in order that we might walk in them,” thus ending 2:1–10 as it began, with a description of how we walk or live. When we receive this grace, we aren’t merely delivered from a bad way of living into some kind of neutral existence. Rather, we are created anew in Christ for a new way of living, a way embodied in good works.

Good works prepared beforehand ; The purpose of God’s creative activity is not merely to have a people, as if he were constructing a work of art. Rather, this new creation is to be active and productive like the Creator. Christians are “to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (contrast to Ephesians 2:2). Salvation is not from works, but it surely is for works, that is, living obediently and productively. In keeping with Ephesians 1:3–14 on God’s planning, choosing, and acting, this verse shows God planned and acted not only to save, but also to mark out the way we should live. John Stott’s words are not too strong: “Good works are indispensable to salvation—not as its ground or means … but as its consequence and evidence.”
God prepared these works for people to do, and they are a way to glorify God.

This “good works “spoken of is possible by an active relationship with Christ. As we fellowship with Christ , engage the Word, spend time communing with Him on the place of prayer,we become more and more like him in our expressions. Our character aligns more and more to His.
We desire to please him. Doing his will becomes our ambition.
We begin to think God-thought, take God-step. We lay aside habits and characters that are not in sync with our new identity. When this begins to happen even those who were not there when we accepted Christ will recognise that a good change has taken place.
That in itself sends a message to those around that an encounter with Christ transforms a man.
It’s a non verbal way of preaching Christ.
In our walk with men, unlike God they don’t see our hearts, they can’t figure out our motives.
Our Actions are rather what is seen. The posture of heart matters to God, however it has to translate to Actions for it to have an impact on those around us.