What is the evidence that Christians are supposed to do GOOD WORKS, other than Ephesians 2:10?
Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 2:1 - 10
ESV - 1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 In which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience -
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Asked December 19 2020
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Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
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Tim Maas
Supporter
Our good works are a means of visibly showing our love for Christ, and our obedience to Him (John 14:15) If faith is not manifested in good works, it is a dead faith (James 2:26) Good works show that we are walking in a manner worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1-7) Good works strengthen the assurance of our faith (1 John 2:1-6) Good works are the evidence of our gratitude to God for our salvation (Colossians 2:6) The redeemed are urged to spur one another to good works (Hebrews 10:24) Good works instruct young Christians and make Christianity's opponents ashamed (Titus 2:7-10) Good works can result in leading those who oppose Christianity to glorify God (1 Peter 2:12, 15) Good works are the way we bear fruit for Christ, and thus remain in Christ's love (John 15:8-11)
April Streets
Supporter
The performance of good works is retroactive to the very beginning of creation. In Genesis 1 after every element was created, God saw that “it was good.” The word “good” is used seven times throughout the entirety of the creation story. In the New Testament Sermon on the Mount, one of the counsels given by Jesus is to: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” According to Jesus, in so activating these counsels, you become a child of your Father who is in heaven, since He allows the sun to rise on both the “evil and the good” (Matthew 5:44-45). In John 10:32, the Jews were about to stone Him, but Jesus asked of them: “Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?” This scenario ended with Jesus escaping from their midst, due to their rising aggression in response to the truth that He presented, but it reinforces the fact that Jesus did not physically fight back in accordance with the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus continued to do good works in His ministry, even during tumultuous conditions. Therefore, if Jesus was able to perform good works, in less than ideal conditions, those who follow the works of the Son of God should, at minimum, do the same. Moreover, it should also be noted that Jesus raised the threshold of performance in the Kingdom of God, as the decree after the resurrection was thus: “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12).
Grant Abbott
Supporter
The four gospel books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John record the "good works" that Jesus did. The apostle John even added "Jesus did many other things [good works] as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written (John 21:25)". Jesus commanded us to "follow me" to "follow his example". He is the teacher and we are the pupils. God has prepared a lifetime of good works for every Christian who is interested in participating in God's mission. Why are good works so important? Because this is how the kingdom of God advances upon the earth, and all the forces of darkness that control our world are defeated. When we see "justice, righteousness, love and faithfulness" flourishing then we know the kingdom of God is established there. When we see evil, wickedness, corruption and decay flourishing we know the spiritual forces of darkness are in control. The apostle Paul says in Romans 12:21 "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good". Good works that flow from good hearts overcome all forms of evil, and God is well-pleased.
James Kraft
Supporter
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 4:2 If Abraham were justified by works, he would have something to glory in, but not before God. Abraham was justified by faith alone. All the good works in the world can not save a sinner. Lots of people do good works in the eyes of the world, but we can not be saved by works. Only by faith alone apart from any works. Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him who justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. We are saved and sealed by the Holy Spirit the second we trust in Him alone apart from works. Ephesians 1:13. In whom ye also trusted, after ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation in whom also AFTER ye believed, ye were sealed by that Holy Spirit of promise After a person receives the free gift of eternal life. Our good works are for rewards in heaven. First Corinthians 3:11-21 but have nothing to do with receiving the free gift of eternal life It is impossible to be saved by works. Works can not pay our sin debt. If a person is trusting in anything they do or do not do as pertaining to salvation, then they are trusting in what they do to save them and are not saved. The GIFT of God is eternal life. That can not be earned. We have to be perfect to go to heaven and no one is. But when we trust Jesus alone apart from any works. He imputes His perfect righteousness to us apart from works. Romans 4:6 The second we trust Jesus alone we are declared righteous before God. The thief on the cross was saved by faith alone apart from works. Lots of unbelievers do good works and believe they are saved by keeping God’s laws and doing good works. But they are deceived. Matthew 7:21-23 They did many wonderful works. They prophesied in His name, Thy cast out demons in His name. But, they never did the will of HIs Father in heaven.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Acts 9:31, 36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas... 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things... Colossians 1:10 That you might walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 2 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works. Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke to love and to good works: Hebrews 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ... 1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works...
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