Post by Don Gieseke on Aug 29, 2016 5:50:10 GMT -6
Why We Work
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Not all employers are happy with a generation of young employees who were raised receiving “participation trophies” for being on an athletic team. Older generations were taught that showing up and doing one’s best was normal—a responsibility not deserving of a trophy.
There is a parallel in the Christian life. There are things expected of us as Christians. But we do not receive the “prize” of salvation for doing those works. Scripture makes it abundantly clear that we are saved “by grace . . . through faith,” not by works. Young athletes can take pride in the trophies they win for hard-fought victories. But if we were awarded the prize of salvation for our works, our pride would be a problem. There is only one “work” that has ever earned salvation—the death of Christ out of obedience to the Father. But His death did not earn His salvation; He didn’t need to be saved. Instead, His death earned salvation for us. And our works are an imitation of His—our gratitude for His obedience.
Work hard for Christ! But work for the right reason—a “Thank You” for the gift you have received by faith.
The church is a community of the works and words of Jesus.
Donald English
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Not all employers are happy with a generation of young employees who were raised receiving “participation trophies” for being on an athletic team. Older generations were taught that showing up and doing one’s best was normal—a responsibility not deserving of a trophy.
There is a parallel in the Christian life. There are things expected of us as Christians. But we do not receive the “prize” of salvation for doing those works. Scripture makes it abundantly clear that we are saved “by grace . . . through faith,” not by works. Young athletes can take pride in the trophies they win for hard-fought victories. But if we were awarded the prize of salvation for our works, our pride would be a problem. There is only one “work” that has ever earned salvation—the death of Christ out of obedience to the Father. But His death did not earn His salvation; He didn’t need to be saved. Instead, His death earned salvation for us. And our works are an imitation of His—our gratitude for His obedience.
Work hard for Christ! But work for the right reason—a “Thank You” for the gift you have received by faith.
The church is a community of the works and words of Jesus.
Donald English