WORKS and GOOD WORKS

Danna Shirley
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  (Eph 2:8-10 NIV)

Some might say this is a conflicting scripture—we’re saved NOT by our works but we’re created to DO good works. 

Not by works – performance…

Do good works – performance...

Hard to understand? Not really.  Our own works are of no benefit because we’re moving through our own motivation, under our own power, and in our own ability—maybe through pride or the drive to achieve. 

Our works in Christ Jesus, resting in His care and moving in obedience to the Holy Spirit, brings about not just works but “good works” and these are what God had planned for us to do from the beginning. 

Works done in the flesh will burn up…

Good works done in the Spirit will last for eternity…