Good Works

GOOD WORKS
	WORKS GOOD WORKS. While following the instructions in The Scriptures to: “be concerned for one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Heb 10:24), the retort we often receive is quoted: “by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of G-d: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph 2:9). We state here and now: this is the Word of Yahweh, it is Truth and we believe it! We also believe Isaiah 64:6 “All our righteousnesses are as soiled rags. And all of us fade like a leaf, and our crookednesses, like the wind, have taken us away.” Here are a few Scriptures to bear in mind for those who would make excuses for not letting their light shine: Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, so that they see your good works and praise your Father who is in the heavens.” (Yahushua) Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah Yahushua unto good works, which Elohim prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” 1 Tim 6:17-19 “Charge those who are rich in this present age not to be high-minded, nor to trust in the uncertainty of riches, but in the living Elohim, who gives us richly all for enjoyment, to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, so that they lay hold on everlasting life.” Titus 2:14 “who gave Himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people, His own possession, ardent for good works.” Titus 3:8 “Trustworthy is the word, and in this regard I wish you to strongly affirm, that those who have believed in Elohim should keep their minds on maintaining good works. This is good and profitable to men.” Titus 3:14 “And our brothers should also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, so that they shall not be without fruit.” James 2:18-20 “But someone might say, “You have belief, and I have works.” Show me your belief without your works, and I shall show you my belief by my works. You believe that Elohim is one. You do well. The demons also believe – and shudder! But do you wish to know, O foolish man, that the belief without the works is dead?” 1 Peter 2:12 “having your behaviour among the gentiles good so that when they speak against you as evil-doers, let them, by observing your good works, esteem Elohim in a day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:15 “Because such is the desire of Elohim, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” 1 Peter 4:19 “So then, those who suffer according to the desire of Elohim should commit their lives to a trustworthy Creator, in doing good.” Here’s the critical verse: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17) So, although we know our works cannot save us, we can see from The Scriptures that we must strive to good works, works are a sign of ones Belief and when Yahweh reveals to us that His desire for us is to do such and do not do it; it is sin! “But as for the cowardly, and untrustworthy, and abominable, and murderers, and those who whore, and drug sorcerers, and idolaters, and all the false, their part is in the lake which burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8) Could it be that the “cowardly” mentioned in his verse are those who are too afraid to stand up and share the Good News and be a witness for Yahushua Messiah and in avoiding the great commission are in fact denying Him: “But whoever shall deny Me before men, him I shall also deny before My Father who is in the heavens.” (Matthew 10:33) It is quite evident that many of these Scriptures are speaking of our works of Torah - that of obedience to His Laws and Commands. It is clear from Scripture - and contrary to those who claim to be saved simply because of their belief in a Messiah - that we will be judged at the Judgement whether we were obedient to his laws and exercised those works of righteousness: Yeremiyah 17:10 “I, יהוה, search the heart, I try the kidneys, and give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” Proverbs 24:12 “If you say, “See, we did not know this,” Would not He who weighs the hearts discern it? He who watches over your life, Would He not know it? And shall He not repay man according to his work? Mat 16:27 “For the Son of Adam is going to come in the esteem of His Father with His messengers, and then He shall reward each according to his works.” Romans 2:6-8 “who “shall render to each one according to his works”: everlasting life to those who by persistence in good work seek for esteem, and respect, and incorruptibility; but wrath and displeasure to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness.” Revelation 22:12 “And see, I am coming speedily, and My reward is with Me, to give to each according to his work.” Seriously, how can one read all these Scriptures and believe that they are saved eternally and that's it! It's like picking one or two texts out of Scripture and ignoring every other just because one says the words, "I believe the Messiah died for my sin." It could be compared to a fool reading an Olymic athlete's manual which reads, "an athlete must bear the colours of their represented country." then putting on the clothing of an Olympic athlete and proclaiming, "I am an Olympic athlete!" There also comes a dire warning from the words of Yahushua for those who think they are saved yet are not producing the good fruit that a believer is recognised by: “*Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, by their fruits you shall know them.”* Matt 7:19-20 Scriptures quoted are taken from “The Scriptures – 1998”