So, the question is, why good works cannot save us? There are four very important points I would like to share with you.
POINT NUMBER 1- WE ARE SINFUL
We are inherently sinful and incapable of producing good works on our own. In Romans 7:18, Paul says, "For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh." This passage is very important in understanding our need for Jesus. Because no matter how hard we try, our sinful nature pollutes our best and pure intentions. Our works, even if they appear good to others, are polluted with selfishness and self-centered motives.
POINT NUMBER 2- WE ARE POWERLESSNESS WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
Our best efforts to be good fall short because we don’t have the power to obey God in our own strength. Psalm 51:5 says "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me." This passage reminds us that we are born with a sinful nature that separates us from God. This sinful nature leaves us powerless to do good on our own. True obedience to God can only occur when the Holy Spirit is fully in control of our lives, guiding our actions and intentions.
POINT NUMBER 3- WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE ALONE
Indeed, we are saved by grace alone. Once again, let me remind you again that our salvation is not based on our good works or efforts because we have zero good works. Desire of Ages page 98 says, “In ourselves, we are incapable of doing any good thing…” No matter how hard we try to be good; we cannot be good and we will not and we cannot produce good works. So, we are saved by grace alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Our salvation is a gift freely given by God, rooted in His unmerited favor towards us. There is no room for boasting in our own achievements. Because all our good achievements happen only because of the grace of God.
POINT NUMBER 4- GOOD WORKS ARE THE FRUIT OF AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS
As we totally surrender our lives to Jesus and rely on His strength daily, we begin to bear the fruit of good works. Good works are result of our intimate relationship with Christ. When Jesus resides in our hearts, His love, grace, and righteousness overflow into our actions, leading us to serve others selflessly and honor God. Brothers and sisters, let us remember that we have no good works on our own. So let us invite Jesus daily to be the only Lord and Master of our life so that the fruits- which are good works will naturally appear. And let us continually seek to deepen our relationship with Him, so that our family, our friends, our neighbors, the world may witness the good works- the abundant fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Sulad Jhun Cardeinte writes from Thailand. His email address is acardeinte@aiias.edu
To read the previous blog
articles, go to SULADS Thailand website and click blog section. Direct link below;
https://www.suladsthailand.com/blog-1/
Write a comment
Mututa jimmy johnson (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 00:30)
Thanks for your help today, I have a problem with the church, for I was an instructor at one of our institution here in Uganda, we worked on the project, but when the project succeed, they denied to pay, and ended up My contact prematurely, I have tried to reconcile but nothing good has been achieved, I have a family which requires help but I have nothing. Now what can I do?
Renny saycon (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 02:58)
Thanks you very much for inspiring messages.
Bernie Yparraguirre (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 03:15)
Thanks for the written truth. I'm blessed with it. ☺️��
Peter Okeyo (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 03:39)
I love this messages Glory to God
Atina manliwos (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 03:55)
Thank you for explaination very simple and very clear to me...GOD BLESS YOU....FROM VANUATU...
Karen Barnett (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 03:56)
I was so blessed by these powerful words. Thank you. God bless you.
SHAKA GODIDE DUBE (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 04:18)
Very POWERFUL AMEN
E. Alimamy Kanu (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 04:29)
Thanks for the inspiring words �
Naomy (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 04:37)
Good sermon,learnt and i will have to share ,,,,,thanks and be blessed.
Susan Yehilomo (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 04:44)
Thanks that was purely truth. From Papua New Guinea
Ropa Raypheny (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 04:46)
This message just encourages me.
To God be the glory
Gilda (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 05:11)
Thank for good explanation
Dellas (Tuesday, 12 March 2024)
The 4 points that I've read really helps me and I really learn a lot. It really helps me a lot to change my life
Sarah (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 05:38)
Thank you☺️❤️
Edwina (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 06:16)
Thank you for this message.God Bless
PR CHARLES KOROBA (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 06:21)
Absolutely true and indeed powerful.
Though all four points are all perfectly stated I totally agree with the fourth point.
Yes, acceptance appreciation and absorbing of grace is revealed in works
. For faith without action is a dead faith.
James 2: 17-20.
Thankyou
Myrna (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 07:14)
Thank you for the wonderful messages. God bless us all.
Yve (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 16:47)
Thank you; I've been thinking about faith and works a lot recently and this is the 2nd clarification received to enlighten me on the matter.
The Creator is answering my prayers.
Russel Kaltoua (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 17:21)
Thank you so much. God bless
Merybeth (Tuesday, 12 March 2024 19:55)
Thank you and God bless us all always.
Dephney silau (Monday, 18 March 2024 05:30)
Thank you for the message praise and Glory be to our God.