We are not saved by good works.  It is God who works in you.  The works are for his good pleasure.  Which God prepared beforehand.

Eph 2  (v. 10) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Our acceptance with God is sure only through His beloved Son, and good works are but the result of the working of His sin-pardoning love.  They are no credit to us, and we have nothing accorded to us for our good works by which we may claim a part in the salvation of our souls.[1]   

Genuine justification by faith always produces works;  These works don’t save you, but are the evidence & proof that you are abiding in Christ.

John 15  (v. 4) Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

(Verse 5) I am the vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in Me,

and I in him, bears much fruit;  for without Me you can do nothing.

The world needs to see Christ in us, and the works are the fruit of salvation!

Matt 13  (v. 23) ....is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces:  some 100-fold, some 60-fold, and some 30-fold.

So, what do you think will happen, when the world sees, that you are different than everybody else?

They will want to know why.  Then you can tell them about what Jesus has done for your life.

What does it say in that verse:  “If I be lifted up, will draw all peoples to myself.”  ( John 12: 32 )

How does He draw all people to Himself, if they cannot see him?

Gal 2  (v. 20)  I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me....

He has to use “you & me,” to show Christ to the world!!

He has to use a people who are willing to abide in Christ and allow Him, to reproduce His character in them.   (John 15: 4-5)

He has to use a people who are willing to “let their light to shine before men” with the good works that God has prepared beforehand.

Matt 5  (v. 14) You are the light of the world.  (v. 16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

If good works does not save us, then what are they for?

But are good works of no real value?  Is the sinner who commits sin every day with impunity, regarded of God with the same favor as the one who through faith in Christ tries to work in his integrity?[2]  The scripture answers, “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them”....[2]    

John 14  (v. 10) ....The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. (v. 12) Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also....

God’s commandment-keeping people are described by the prophet as “men wondered at.”  We are to be a people distinct from the world.  The eyes of the world are upon us, and we are observed by many of whom we have no knowledge.  There are those who know something of the doctrines we claim to believe, and they are noting the effect of our faith upon our characters.  They are waiting to see what kind of influence we exert, and how we carry ourselves before a faithless world.[3]               

The world needs to see Christ in us;  the works are the fruit of salvation!!

Titus 3  (v. 8) ....those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.  These things are good and profitable to men.

>>>  God is not looking for a people who are mechanically keeping rules!!  <<<

But rather, a people who are allowing Christ to reproduce his character in them;

à      such that when people see you operating by a standard;

à      “a standard of Christian living”             

Gal 5  (v. 14) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (v. 15) But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

They will notice something different about you, and when they ask you about it, you can bring them to Jesus to be saved.

Ministers sometimes tell the people that they have nothing to do but believe;  that Jesus has done it all, and their own works are nothing.  But the Word of God plainly states that in the Judgment the scales will be balanced accurately, and the decisions will be based on the evidence adduced.[5]     

Webster’s  Dictionary defines:

Adduced—( e-dyus-ed ) to offer as example, or proof in analysis.

 One man becomes ruler of ten cities,…another of two, each man receiving   exactly in proportion to the improvement he has made on the talents   entrusted to his keeping.  Our efforts in works of righteousness, in our own

 behalf and for the salvation of souls, will have a decided influence on our  

 recompense.[5]    

Webster’s  Dictionary defines:

Recompense—( rek-em-pents ) a return for something done, suffered for, or compensation for a service rendered.

Matt 25  (v. 14) For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country.... (v. 15) And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability.... (v. 19) After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. (v. 21) His lord said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant, you were  faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.

Luke 19  (v. 12) ....A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. (v. 13) So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, "Do business till I come." (v. 15) And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants....to be called to him.... (v. 16) Then came the first.... (v. 17) And he said to him, "Well done, good servant, because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities. (v. 18) And the second came....

(v. 19) Likewise he said to him, "You also be over five cities."

Now, this doesn’t mean that you will be any better than anyone else; because in God’s kingdom, the higher the reward, the more you will have the privilege to serve others.    Remember, Christ washed the feet of His disciples in loving service.

Rev 22  (v. 12) And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.

In His divine arrangement, through His unmerited favor, the Lord has ordained that good works shall be rewarded.  We are accepted through Christ’s merit alone;  and the acts of mercy, the deeds of charity, which we perform, are the fruits of faith;  and they become a blessing to us;  for men are to be rewarded according to their works.[2]

Matt 16  (v. 27) For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.