Reply To: Christian Character Discussion Board 1

[Paulpraze]

When we think about good works as witnesses for Christ Jesus our Lord, one of the text of scripture that immediately comes to mind is Matthew 5:16. In this text, Jesus makes it clear that there is a relationship between our works and how people, especially unbelievers perceive God. Our good works give them an idea of God that is demonstrated in their glorifying Him.
It is important to state however that salvation is never dependent on our works whatsoever. In Romans 5:6, Paul made it clear that we were hopeless and helpless, unable to provide for our own salvation. In addition to this, Paul further tells us that we are saved by grace through faith, and all of these are of God (Ephesians 2:8-10). He also adds that we could not be saved by our own works of righteousness (Titus 3:5). Over and over again, the Apostle Paul makes this point (Romans 3:20, Romans 4:1-16, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 3:11-14).
Jesus Christ our Lord Himself, when He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), ruled out any other means or possibility of having a relationship with God and receiving salvation of Him. The only way to receive the salvation of God is by faith alone in Christ alone. (Romans 1:16-17).
Therefore, any and every work that the unbeliever does is considered to be dead works. They arise from a dead human spirit and selfish motives, and are therefore unacceptable to God, in spite of how good these works may appear in the eyes of men. Dead works are things that must be repented of (Hebrews 6:1).
The word witness is the Greek word martureō. It means to be a witness, that is, testify (literally or figuratively): – charge, give [evidence], bear record, have (obtain, of) good (honest) report, be well reported of, testify, give (have) testimony, (be, bear, give, obtain) witness.
In the new Testament, there are a number of texts that speak about the believer and good works, and the need for good works as an important means of witnessing for Christ. (Matthew 5:16, Philippians 2:15, 1 Peter 2:12, 2 Peter 2:2).
The idea really is that, while it is true that an unbeliever can not be saved by good works, the presence, indwelling and work of Christ in the believer will as a matter of fact, produce certain results or good works that will be evidence or testimony to His presence. James 2:18-24. The point that apostle James makes here is that the presence of faith can only be justified by the works that it produces. In other words, faith is the foundation for good works.
In conclusion, the reality is that people around us can not see our regenerated spirit, but they surely can see our good works. Sharing our faith verbally, coupled with our good works is the most effective tool for witnessing for Christ.