LESSONS ON HEAVEN ( PART 15 ) | DO OUR GOOD WORKS MATTER AFTER WE ARE BORN-AGAIN? ( PART 1 )

Pastor Christopher Choo

Lesson 3221

LESSONS ON HEAVEN  ( PART 15 )

DO OUR GOOD WORKS MATTER AFTER WE ARE BORN-AGAIN? ( PART 1 )

Many believers are confused about the importance of obedience to God in our earthly life.

Some mistakenly claim that their  "good works " are worthless to God.

While it is true we are saved by God's grace apart from our works, God rewards us based on our works.

While our works are worthless in securing us a PLACE in heaven, they are important in determining our EXPERIENCE in heaven.

Paul explains this difference best. He said about our works BEFORE salvation: " For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; NOT AS A RESULT OF WORKS, so that no one may boast" ( Ephesians 2:8-9 ).

Then he said about works AFTER salvation: " For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus FOR GOOD WORKS, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" ( Ephesians 2:10 ).

Abba Father, before we became a believer, our so-called good works condemned us before You. But once we have become a believer, our good works commend us to You. According to 2 Cor.5:10, we will appear before the judgment seat of Christ and be evaluated on our works "whether good or bad ( Phaulo in Greek meaning  "worthless"). You will bring it all to light. And Your evaluation of the totality of our brief time on earth will result in rewards or the forfeiture of rewards - but not in eternal condemnation.