| Our Choice to Work for Christian Principles, |
Created Date: 5-Sep-2020 |
Values and the Most Important Reason |
Last updated: 7-Sep-2020 |
| A A A help |
| 1 | Introductory Points | 2 | Works Required for Salvation? |
| 3 | Not Taught in Church | 4 | Faith Without Works? |
| 5 | The Overcomer | 6 | The Most Important Reason |
These four areas partially identify the Christian term of Works, but there is more to be understood. Additionally, there is the often-spoken question which asks if Works in these four areas and others are required for the Christian?
There is also a negative opinion held by some Christians regarding Works, which is often described in the Christian community by the expression "Work's Trip". The expression seems to be primarily used as a judgmental chastisement by one Believer in Christ to another Believer in Christ with the intention of telling them that they do not need to earn Salvation. The mature Believer knows that Works have never been a requirement for Salvation.
Many of us, which this author includes himself in the early years of being a Christian, have participated and done many of the four points above because of a feeling that once receiving Salvation that it was required. This was incorrect and there is nothing that any of us can do to earn Salvation as it is a gift from God, through God's Grace and Mercy.
| Titus 3:5 | He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, |
| Ephesians 2:8-9 | 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. |
| Romans 10:9 | that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; |
There are many areas that most of us Christians are never taught in Church that Rewards in Heaven are determined by everything done through Faith that glorifies God by:
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The Five Points of Christian Works |
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One possible reason for us not initially knowing about the Five Points is because Pastors too often only speak about a Christian Message about obtaining Salvation through Jesus Christ. This is absolutely a starting point, but there is so much more.
This list of five points is completer and more accurate list of what Christian Works could be described to contain.
There are many scriptural passages that are almost famously known by Christians and non-Christians. Additionally, some of these famous scriptures are too often taken out of context. James 2:17-18 is such an example passage that is often misunderstood.
| James 2:14-18 | 14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, Depart in peace, be warmed and filled, but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? |
The Apostle James is stating that the evidence of someone having Salvation is there will be works that are in the five points listed above. When we have the love of God living in us through the Gift of the Holy Spirit, then as we mature in our Christian life then we will find peace, tranquility and happiness in our thoughts. We will then do Works that glorify God and enrich the lives of others along with our own lives.
The confusion of James 2:17-18, is often believed to be a contradiction that it is is somehow states that Works are required for obtaining Salvation, which is not James' point. Skeptics of the Gospel will list verses 17 and 18 to state that the Word of God is requiring works to have Salvation. This is not true and the passage is talking about evidence that will be shown because of receiving Salvation.
Another way of describing the points could be stated as:
There are several parables in the Gospel such as the Foolish Virgins and the Parable of Talents, that reflect that Works in the five points above will be shown and experienced by those who are truly Christians, along with a testimony to those needing to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior.
There are also many inspiring scripture references to always remember about doing good and giving:
| Romans 2:7 | eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; |
| 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 | 6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. |
| James 1:17 | Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. |
| 1 Timothy 6:17-19 | 17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. |
| Romans 8:28 | And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. |
This is most likely one of the areas that is often over looked in our Christian lives as being very important. As we go through life, it is possible to become focused on the pleasures, monetary rewards and goals of status along with the possibilities of unhealthy addictions such as alcohol, drugs, food, power and sex.
As we mature in our Christian Walk, then the Holy Spirit is there to guide, empower and intercede on our behalf to overcome the areas in our Earthly lives that are not worthy of our time, focus and participation. By becoming an Overcomer, we will receive unique glory and Rewards in Heaven.
Here is a list of just a few Faith building scriptures concerning our relation and works with our God:
| Matthew 25:21 | His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master. |
| Hebrews 11:6 | And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. |
| Colossians 3:23 | Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, |
| 1 Peter 4:10 | As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. |
| James 1:12 | Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. |
| 1 Corinthians 4:2 | In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. |
| 1 Corinthians 2:9 | but just as it is written, Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him. |
What to read next?
What is Salvation? Are there Rewards in Heaven? Is it is possible to lose Salvation? We have eternal life. Evolution is not real. When a Christian suffers is there benefits from it. Do we Tithe? What does the 3rd Commandment tell us? What is Grace and Mercy? Is there an Age of Accountability? Is there a place of unending punishment and exile form God?