Works are Dangerous

Not by works of righteousness which we have done…Titus 3:5

The religious zealots of Jesus’ day had become good at faking good works. This is still true today. Many cults sell their clients on the idea they are saved by good works. Some even quote James to prove their point: You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only, James 2:24. Of course, works that justify are from their list; not God’s word. 

Works that justify are born out of the Spirit. This is the fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22 and Ephesians 5:9. One who is born again does not need to feign good works. Good works just happen, like fruit on a tree. Like the tree that bears fruit, the believer by design bears good fruit—good works. 

Which agrees with what Paul wrote: knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not be the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified, Galatians 3:16. James and Paul agree.

Trying to prove you are a Christian with your good works is dangerous. It is also quite burdensome. Why accept another’s yoke when Jesus offers us His? Jesus has set us free. Why return to the slavery of works that are dangerous? For this reason, the Bible says, without faith it is impossible to please God, Hebrews 11:6. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. By faith you sought God. By faith you have accepted His reward—new life. Enjoy!

Obviously, God is pleased by our faith. God is pleased by our walking in His Spirit. God is pleased by the progress of the process of our producing fruit by trusting Him. Trusting God may not always be easy. But trusting in works is dangerous. As it is written: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts, Zechariah 4:6.