![]() It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. Paul soberly explained this process in an earlier letter to the Corinthians: We all will stand before Christ’s throne and have our works examined. One of the last things Jesus says in Scripture is, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done” (Revelation 22:12). Appearing for the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10)įor we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. But this parable should remind us that kingdom life looks like service. Of course, in light of the full testimony of Scripture, we know that’s not the case. What’s challenging about this parable is that everyone who heard it that day would have walked home with the idea that their works were the only thing that mattered. As the King in the story tells the goats, their refusal to help others was a refusal to serve Him. On the other hand, the goats are denied access to the kingdom because of the good things they didn’t bother doing. The sheep are ushered into God’s kingdom because of the good deeds they did for others who couldn’t care for themselves. In it, Jesus tells a story about the final judgment. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats is very challenging. The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Whatever you did for the least of these (Matthew 25:40) These acts become a tool the Holy Spirit uses to convince them of our sincerity and God’s presence. When the world associates our good deeds with our faith, the response is that they glorify God themselves. ![]() But then He makes a significant statement. First, He lets His listeners know that the light He is talking about is good deeds. Sometimes, Jesus intentionally leaves His metaphors a little vague, but He’s crystal clear in this case. ![]() ![]() It shines its light on everyone in the house: the family members and the visitors, the righteous and the unrighteous. And the great thing about the light is that it offers its service indiscriminately. The only reason that you light a lamp is to help you see. The idea that you’d light a lamp and then hide it is absurd. For instance, in this metaphor, light is offering a service. Jesus’ message about being salt and light is critical. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Our good deeds have an evangelistic effect (Matthew 5:14-16) ![]() Whatever excuse we give ourselves, it tends to turn “someday” into “never.” 2. It’s too easy to convince ourselves that we will when we’re in a better position or when we’re not as busy. If we have the means to help someone right now, we should do so. These two verses help us navigate the trap of good intentions. In fact, Jesus sums up the Old Testament writings by telling us to do for others what we wish them to do for us (Matthew 7:12). But who is that? As we learn in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, our neighbor is anyone who is in need. The author tells us not to withhold good from those to whom it is due. This proverb takes on added significance in light of Jesus’ ministry. “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”. Do not withhold good (Proverbs 3:27-28)ĭo not withhold good from those to whom it is due, To get a better sense of the role good works play in the life of faith, let’s take a look at a dozen passages on the topic. It isn’t how we earn salvation, but it should definitely be a byproduct of God’s kingdom. There are several places where the Bible makes it clear that God’s people will be people known for their service and good works. We don’t have to earn forgiveness by adding more weight to the good-deeds side of the scale. Jesus’ salvation is a gift of grace that He doesn’t expect us to earn through our performance. There can be a lot of confusion around the topic of good works among Christians. ![]()
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