We are saved only by the grace of God, through faith (Ephesians 2:8,9). This is not of ourselves. God loves us even as sinners (Romans 5:8), he draws us (John 6:44) and he atones for our sin and grants us eternal life if we believe. He does it all. The great exchange-- our sins for his righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
If we believe, we have the right to be called children of God (John 1:12). But what is belief? Is it knowing the gospel? I would say that is not enough as even the demons know the gospel and they are doomed to eternal torment (James 2:19).
If we really believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, our lives will be changed (2 Corinthians 5:17). This change is reflected in our behavior as we are obedient to God's commands. So James, the Lord's brother, says faith without works is dead. Works are behaviors spurred on by our desire to be obedient to God. Works do not save us. They have nothing to do with our salvation. However, they are evident in all who believe. If we say we believe but are not fruitful in our lives, we have no reason to be assured of our salvation. In Mathew chapter 25 the Lord tells three stories that are particularly convicting. The parable of the ten virgins demonstrates the need for watchful readiness for the Lord's coming. The five virgins that knew the bridegroom was coming but weren't prepared are left out of the wedding banquet. The parable of the talents shows we will be held accountable to produce fruit dependent on the gifts we are given. Fear is not an excuse for lack of fruit. Lastly, in the parable of the sheep and the goats, the Lord separates people based on their behavior. Convicting and compelling words that we should take obedience to the commands of God very seriously.
So, we are saved by faith and works develop out of that faith and bring us assurance that we are Christ's. Faith without works is not a real faith.
Even though our works have nothing to do with our salvation, the Bible says our degree of reward in heaven will depend on our fruitfulness on earth relative to the gifts God has given us. Speaking to believers, Paul says we must all stand before the judgement seat of Christ that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.(2 Corintians 5:10). In 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, Paul talks about our works being tested with fire with resulting reward or loss depending on that testing. Now heaven will be awesome for all who believe, but Jesus was, I think, speaking literally when he said store up treasure in heaven rather than on earth (Mark 10:21).
The above is a reminder to me that if I truly believe I will be obedient to God. Disobedience can only come from unbelief. For who could stare at our God, the consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29), and disobey? Who could believe: Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13) and not fall on their knees in submission?
O Lord, have mercy on me.
1 comment:
The seeds of this sublime life are planted in every Christian soul at Baptism. But seeds must grow and develop before you reap the harvest. There are thousands of Christians walking about the face of the earth bearing in their bodies the infinite God of whom they know practically nothing.
The seeds of contemplation and sanctity, planted in those souls, merely lie dormant. They do not germinate. They do not grow. In other words, sanctifying grace occupies the substance of their souls, but never flows out inflame and irrigate and take possession of their faculties, their intellect and will. The presence of God never becomes an intimate reality. God does not manifest Himself to these souls because they do not seek Him with any real desire.
They allow God to maintain His rights over the substance of their souls, but their thoughts and desires do not belong to Him. They belong to illusion, to passion, and to external things. Consequently, as far as their knowledge of God is concerned, these Christians are in the same condition as men without God. For them, too the Spirit of truth cannot be fully received “because they see Him not, nor know Him”
Contemplation will be denied to a man in proportion as he belongs to “the world”. The Holy Ghost does not manifest Himself to worldly men because they do not desire to know him.
Thomas Merton
There can be no desire where there is no knowledge. The more you know of God the more you desire him.
me
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