Articles
If Not, Then Why?
Consider these two statements found in Titus chapter 3, “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior towards man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” (v. 4-5). “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” (v. 8).
Why would Paul tell Titus about the mercy given to man through the coming of Jesus and NOT by works of righteousness, then turn right around and admonish believers to maintain good works? What would be the use of doing good works if they don’t save us? The answer to these questions is simple. Although works don’t save, without them you are lost. In other words, being told to maintain good works is the same as saying avoid doing sinful things.
Our Lord brings this understanding to light in Luke 17:10, when He stated, “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.” It is our duty to do what our Lord tells us. We are not earning our salvation; that is a gift. Whatever we are told to do, it is the least we can do because the gift is priceless.
So, what if we don’t do good works? Then we are not doing what we are told and that is sin. It is sin that will keep us out of heaven (Rom. 6:23). The purpose of these works is not about us; it’s all about God. We read in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Getting people to turn to the Lord will not come from ungodly actions.
As we have established, by doing good works we can never earn our salvation. However, if we don’t do good works, we prevent ourselves from obtaining salvation. Jesus did His part and we must do ours.
