It is wrong to assume that because we are saved by grace that works don’t matter. Works have always mattered in God’s economy. In fact, Christ died to redeem us from “lawless deeds” and create in us a zeal for “good works.”

We are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works. Ephesians 2:8-10 is the passage that best incorporates the place of works in salvation and the Christian life. In those verses, Paul wrote that we are saved by grace through faith, “not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Rather, we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” In other words, God has saved us from doing “bad works” so that we might be empowered to do “good works” for His glory. In fact, a life of righteous works is partial evidence of new life in Christ. As James wrote, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).

Look for ways today to demonstrate your new life in Christ through good works that honor Him.

The Church is a community of the works and words of Jesus.
Donald English