With the launch of our 24,000 hours of mission in 2024 (24k in ’24), there will be many things that need explanation. One key area is whether or not we should do the initiative at all. It has been asked, “Isn’t this works-oriented?” The intent is that if something is works-oriented, we should not do it. This is a way that many evangelical Christians think.
In response to this, let me make the following eight points.
1. Not A Result Of Works
In Ephesians 2:8-9 Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Paul makes it clear here that we are not saved by works (see also Galatians 2:16 where Paul says it in other words, i.e., we are not justified by works of the law). We could put it this way: Works are not the root of our salvation.
So, if we were saying in our initiative that we must have everyone in our church involved in the 24k in ’24 initiative in order that they can be saved, or if we were suggesting in any way the works done in the initiative save, that would not only be wrong, that would not only be heretical, that would be a different gospel for which we would be cursed by God (Gal. 1:8-10).
2. I Will Show You My Faith By My Works
In James 2:14-26 we discover that true saving faith results in and is shown to be true by works. James puts it this way in verse 18: “…I will show you my faith by my works.” After all, James will later write, “…faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:26). We could put it this way: Though works are not the root of our salvation, they are the fruit salvation.
If we stopped here, it would be sufficient to show the importance of good works and that they are a good thing and not bad. They are only bad if they are put forward as the object of faith for salvation. Yet, there is so much more we can say.
3. Christ Redeemed Us To Be Zealous for Good Works
Paul writes to Titus in Titus 2:13-14: “…Jesus Christ…gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (emphasis added) In light of this passage, it is very sad that about the only teaching typically heard in evangelical churches about works is that they don’t save. This is why many are negative toward works.
4. God Prepared Beforehand Works For Christians To Do
Consider what Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10, immediately following his comments that we are saved by grace through faith, not as a result of works (Eph. 2:8-9): “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” This not only teaches that we are God’s work of art, created (i.e. re-created or saved in Christ) for good works, but he prepared in eternity past the works that he wants us to do and he gives us all we need to do them. These are significant statements about the importance of good works.
5. Salvation-Wrought Good Works Glorify God
Jesus, speaking to citizens of his kingdom, taught: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
That good works glorify God shows how important they are. However, there is another truth about them that shows their importance. Consider the next point.
6. We Will Be Judged By Our Works
Paul writes in Romans 2:6-10: “He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek.”
Paul is not teaching that works save us. He is teaching that good works are such a certain outgrowth of genuine saving faith, our works can either demonstrate we are saved or not.
7. We Are To Abound In Good Works
Hear Paul’s powerful statement in 2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
There is no doubt about it that good works are important for the Christian. This is why we should not be surprised about the eighth and final point.
8. Spur Each Other On To Good Works
Hebrews 10:24-25 reads: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Conclusion
This is not an exhaustive treatment of what the New Testament says about good works. Yet, it is enough to show their importance and to refute any idea that “works” is a negative and harmful focus.
So, let’s get involved in our 24k in ’24 initiative, spurred on by one another, with great gusto and to God’s glory!
Joyfully And Zealously Doing Good Works With You,
Tom
