Devotional Page by Stuart Brannon

 

Grace, Faith & Works

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10

.Throughout history since the coming of Christ, there have been people who have tried to reconcile the apparent paradox that arises when the subject of eternal salvation is discussed. Orthodox Christianity has always maintained that salvation is a free gift of the grace of God who likewise empowers faith and good works in the life of Christians. Still, I must confess that I have often struggled with the question. You see, I was raised in a semi-strict Southern Baptist environment and it took quite a long time for me to realize that my works are but filthy rags compared to the redemptive work of Christ accomplished on the Cross.

One of the greatest motivators for people is to be valued. And the best way to be valued is through recognition—recognition by others, recognition by our families, recognition by the world. Why do you think the T.V. show, “American Idol,” is such a continuing success? It’s because as weak and selfish human beings, we are always insecure in our worth to others and as such, always trying to impress them with our talents and value.

But what does Scripture have to say? What does Jesus say? “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: ‘The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practices what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. Everything they do is done for men to see…’” Matthew 23:1-5

In the Christian classic by John Bunyan, “Pilgrim’s Progress,” the protagonist, Christian, journeys through life with a burden on his shoulders that’s impossible to rid. Suddenly, as he is struggling to the top of a hill, he sees the Cross, stumbles, and the burden rolls away into an open sepulcher never to be seen again. This is the way of salvation—a gift of God, the gift of the Cross.

After many years of trying to rid myself of my own burdens—my own need to be valued, I finally understood what God’s grace was all about. And it wasn’t about me. You see there’s nothing bad about good works, the question is just who are you trying to please—man or God, ‘cause if it’s one, it’ll never be the other.

“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates of the city.” Revelation 22:12-14

Have you been washed in the blood of the Lamb? I hope so.