Salvation is a gift of God, by faith; not by works of my hands, for there is nothing that I could ever do to transform my heart. Yet, if indeed I have tasted of the sweetness of God’s mercy; then, my life will show signs of that through the works I perform. Because of the working of the Holy Spirit abiding with me, I will be changed. The works are then a product of Christ abiding in me. It is the fruit produced by a vine that has been pruned, nurtured, and feed by God. I cannot say that I love God, if I do not desire to show that love through obedience and service to Him. With all that He has done for me, how could I do less. That is what James went when he wrote:
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. James 2:17-19
So many followed Christ seeking His miracles, desiring what He could do for them. Still, it was that same crowd who later cried, “Crucify Him” when they realized He was not going to set up His Kingdom, freeing them from the Romans. They did not seek Him for the magnificent Grace, love and beauty He bestowed. They wanted the gift and not the giver of the gifts.
BY THEIR FRUITS YOU WILL KNOW THEM
Many profess and even teach in the name of Christ, who never knew Him. Because Satan loves to confuse and confound the truth, he hides among churches, teachers, and even some clergy; spewing forth ideologies that sound good; but are no more than words. Jesus warned us of just that when He said.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Matthew 7: 15-17
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:22-24
WHAT IS TRUE SAVING FAITH?
When we truly come to Jesus, humbly seeking His Grace; knowing that He is God who willingly gave His life to pay our sin debt; then, we will be transformed. We come because we see Him as Glorious, Beautiful and so magnificent that our heart desires Him. Love draws us near to Him. At that time, the Holy Spirit enters our being to guide, comfort, and teach. Shear love draws us to His Word, not duty. We desire to be with Him, to sit at His feet; because we love Him. Trials come. Storms may enter our life; but, we even prefer the storms with Him more than seasons of prosperity without Him. Step by step, through this life’s journey; He draws us closer to Him; until He is our greatest desire and our greatest treasure.
Sometimes, we stumble and we get it wrong; but, we are sorrowful when we have failed to display His loving kindness to the world. We long to please Him; because, we love Him. This is a journey of love which does transform our hearts into those who display the works of His hands. Recognizing that any good works we perform are by His Gracious Hand guiding us, we cannot become arrogant or prideful of any works. It is the Master Gardener who caused the fruit to be produced.
THE FRUIT
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
My works cannot save me; nor, can they buy favor with God; like some bargaining chip. Instead, my works should be the natural outpouring of what God is doing inside my heart. My works should demonstratively prove what is going on inside.
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;). Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-10
Faith is knowing, believing and desiring that one day; I will look like Jesus. Maybe not today; but, that is my heart’s desire, above all else.
THE ULTIMATE QUESTION
Do you know Him as your Savior and King?
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[bctt tweet=”My works should be the natural outpouring of what God is doing inside my heart.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”Come to Jesus because you see Him as so Glorious &Beautiful that your heart desires Him” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”I prefer the storms of life with Jesus more than seasons of prosperity without Him” username=”effiedarlene”].
This is an original Drawing by an amazing artist whom I love and admire. Please check out his work at http://roninron.com
Featured Photo at top of post by permission: https://unsplash.com/@alienowicz
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.