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Post details: "What are 'good works'?"

05/16/08

12:40:53 am, Categories: By Trent, GraceHead counseling
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"What are 'good works'?"

about 14 months ago I got this question in my inbox:

What are "good works"? I am sure that I have read it somewhere but can't find it again.

I answered by the wisdom that is given me. Here are the words:

Acts 2:22"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know."

God did the good works through Jesus. *THROUGH* Him.
God was in Him, and one with Him, and though Jesus did everything, He really did nothing.
He lived as a servant, transparent vessel of the Father's will to show us what good works really are ... they are Divine works caused by God, worked through us as though it is us, but it is NOT us ... He does it all!

John 8:28 So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be and that *I do nothing on my own* but speak just what the Father has taught me. ..."

He claims to do nothing over a dozen times in the Gospel of John alone. ... and as that first verse above says, it was known that God did everything though Him. All that Jesus ever did, is all that Jesus never did. And that principle applies to us:

John 15:5 "I am the Vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; *apart from me you can do nothing*."

As we walk in the manner in which Jesus walks, we will do good works that are wrought in Him. But we are NOT doing it. And yet we ARE doing it. We are, but we aren't. We aren't, but we are.

John 3:21 "But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that *his deeds* may be manifested as having *been wrought in God*."

When we are involved in good work there is NO reasonable explanation for our activity EXCEPT to say that it isn't us at all, ... it MUST be God doing it.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and *I no longer live, but Christ lives in me*. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

You will know when you are doing good works, because you are not doing anything. It is a miracle, and gift! It is the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ!
Oh, YES!!!

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7 comments

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Comment from: Hilary [Visitor]

We aren't, we are, we aren't, we are....... ha! I love the wonderful paradox of spirit-life!

I can only add "Amen" - or possibly - "Hallelujah" - or even "Yes yes yes!!"

This has been the most dynamic, freeing, mind-boggling revelation which has set me free from duty, cold-hearted "charity", and all the oughts and shoulds which stifle His life out of us.

02/08/07 @ 07:21

Comment from: Timothy [Member] · http://www.TrumpetCallofGodOnline.com

Amen, Brother.

...accept your salvation in Christ, by way of your repentance to Him and love from Him. Then shall the Spirit come upon you; first as a lightening from your burdens, they have been taken through Christ’s blood and your acceptance of His sacrifice. Next, let your tears flow in the joy of your redemption, for in this is your first reward. Next, let that Spirit which is in you guide you in all things, for it is your Helper and Counselor. The Spirit will cleanse you first in your mind, then the body, then those things of your house. All those, who live and breathe in Christ, must put their lives in order. Let this not be a stumbling block in your faith, but a strengthening. All those, who do all things for Christ by His Spirit, draw closer to God each day. Let all things be changed, and set straight, in their proper times...to each his own. Salvation is given by grace, not by works; but by your works is the grace in you shown, and made manifest in faith. First, let us have belief in Christ and be baptized in His words, followed by repentance and acceptance of Him into our hearts. Then comes all work in, and for, Christ, because we had first believed rightly.

02/08/07 @ 11:07

Comment from: Timothy [Member] · http://www.TrumpetCallofGodOnline.com

Brother, I think this Word from the Lord also relates to your inspired post in regards to works and the order in which all works, of men and women in Christ, should be done in our personal lives:

First the Lord!...
Then, prayer and worship, followed by study of His words.
Then, husband; next, wife, followed by children.
All other things are but a wisp of wind catching your attention, quickly passing into nothing, remembered no more... only life is.

All things, created by the Father, are remembered and abide forever in their restoration...
and the Restoration am I.

All things, created by the hand of man, are but dust carried away by the wind, never seen of again.

My peace I give to you...not as the world gives. ~ Jesus
Amen.

02/08/07 @ 11:49

Comment from: Vint Hargrave [Visitor]

Great stuff here on works....works of the self effort to reach God are, "dead works"..they are worldly and tiresome and puff up...works of the spirit are "life and peace"...they are a product of who your are now, resting in him but being very active in his service..

02/09/07 @ 12:58

Comment from: Timothy [Member] · http://www.TrumpetCallofGodOnline.com

I remember this post...
Amen again!

John 6:63:
What gives life is God's Spirit; human power is of no use at all. The words I have spoken to you bring God's life-giving Spirit.

Letters:
"Beloved, I have defeated the world. And these, who know Me, belong to Me and live in Me, and I in them. And over them, human power is of no use at all." ~ Jesus

"Human power is of no use at all. Only by the power of God’s Spirit shall men call on My name. So then, listen to those I send, for I have and will yet give them the fullness of My Spirit in the Day to come, for My purpose, so you may be saved from the hour of temptation that will devour the world" ~ Jesus

"Know you not that human power is of no use at all? Only the grace of God, given to men, through Me, is the power wherein they shall glory." ~ Jesus

"Did you think you could change the hearts of the afflicted by human power?...This is of no use at all. I shall soften the hearts of the seekers, crack the hearts of the afflicted and harden the hearts of the wicked." ~ God

"human power is of no use at all, beloved. All, that is done, is done through Me and given to you. How, then, do you not believe? It is even for this reason and according to that, given you, which you have yet to walk in.

Therefore, walk in Me and receive of Me, and all that you desire, according to Me and My will, shall be manifest." ~ Jesus

All glory to God and to the Lamb who died and is risen and has come to live in us and through us!

05/16/08 @ 09:24

Comment from: terry fuller [Visitor]

Hillary's response expressed my response. Praise God, for His salvation exceeds all we are able to hope or ask!

05/17/08 @ 13:07

Comment from: Timothy [Member] · http://www.TrumpetCallofGodOnline.com

Amen Terry...

I will sing to ADONAI, because He gives me even more than I need.
~ Psalm 13:6

05/17/08 @ 23:56