 |  |
"But it is not for me to boast, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which
the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (Gal. 6: 12-14).
This grace-by-faith-salvation is the gift of God. What manner of persons ought we to
be, who have been so saved and so blessed! To God be the glory through our Lord Jesus
Christ.
#37. Not of Works. . . Unto Good Works (Eph. 2: 9, 10).
pp. 49 - 52
We saw in our last paper the clear distinction which the Scriptures draw between
grace and works, and realized that there could be no possible amalgamation of the two
where salvation is concerned. One would think, however, from the attitude of some who
have grasped the teaching of the Word concerning grace, that the Lord Himself had a
repugnance to good works, and that anyone daring to speak of good works was to be
reckoned as unsound, if not unsaved. We have brought together in our heading that
which God has joined together in His purpose of redemption. Salvation is indeed not out
of works, but nevertheless it is unto good works. Let us allow the scriptural emphasis to
have its way with us.
Take for a commencement the emphatic words of Titus 3: 5, "NOT by works of
righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us". Yet
observe in the near context the equal emphasis placed upon works for those who are
saved. "This is a faithful saying" (a phrase which is used in these pastoral epistles to
mark out a passage of special importance), "and these things I will that thou affirm
constantly (J.N.D. translates "insist strenuously"), that they which have believed in God
might be careful to maintain GOOD WORKS" (Titus 3: 8). Here we have a close
parallel to Eph. 2: 9, 10. While Titus 3: 5 rules out works as a means of procuring our
salvation, there is no other epistle which gives "good works" a more prominent place.
Look at 1: 16, "They profess that they know God, but in works they deny Him, being
abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." This verse shows the
place of good works in any profession of the knowledge of God. Notice 2: 1, 7, 8:--
"SPEAK thou the things which become doctrine. . . . in all things showing thyself a
pattern of GOOD WORKS. . . . sound SPEECH that cannot be condemned."
See how the speech is closely related to the good works. Sound speech that cannot be
condemned will never be separated from good works. The next passage is specially
important:--
"The grace of God that bringeth salvation, teaches us that. . . . we should live. . . .
looking. . . . zealous of good works" (Titus 2: 11-14).