What are considered "works in the NT?"
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B
If you are asking what they are asking below... then...
John 6:28Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Believe in Jesus for salvation and to help you live as His thus the just shall live by faith.
If you are asking how Jesus would have us live as His... it is not by keeping the commandments of the law but leaning on Jesus to do the spirit of the law and that is to love one another... even our enemies.
Romans 13:7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
So in a nutshell, the life of a believer in Christ Jesus can be summed up under these two commandments alone.
1 John 3: 22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
Now as for external works.. things that are in our power to do as opportunities arises... to show love for one another....as well as towards God...
James 1:27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
But do consider this...
Romans 4:5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
We serve Him as He enables us as we love others as He enables us, but if no opportunities has arisen, we rest in Jesus that we are His as it is His righteousness that brings us Home.
Titus 3: 4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
John 6:28Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Believe in Jesus for salvation and to help you live as His thus the just shall live by faith.
If you are asking how Jesus would have us live as His... it is not by keeping the commandments of the law but leaning on Jesus to do the spirit of the law and that is to love one another... even our enemies.
Romans 13:7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
So in a nutshell, the life of a believer in Christ Jesus can be summed up under these two commandments alone.
1 John 3: 22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
Now as for external works.. things that are in our power to do as opportunities arises... to show love for one another....as well as towards God...
James 1:27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
But do consider this...
Romans 4:5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
We serve Him as He enables us as we love others as He enables us, but if no opportunities has arisen, we rest in Jesus that we are His as it is His righteousness that brings us Home.
Titus 3: 4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
B
It is the better way to pray as Jesus had taught.
Matthew 6: 5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 6: 5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
yes..but some consider believing as a work from that verse.
are works (such as in ephesians 2) anything that we can do to try to merit our salvation?
for example...baptism...is that obedience or a work? and how can praying be a work? if we do it as a means to talk to God...how can it be considered a work as in the context of ephesians 2?
does what im asking make sense?
are works (such as in ephesians 2) anything that we can do to try to merit our salvation?
for example...baptism...is that obedience or a work? and how can praying be a work? if we do it as a means to talk to God...how can it be considered a work as in the context of ephesians 2?
does what im asking make sense?
Tara and Baruch,
Your answer is balanced and it puts the emphasis on the grace of God that works in us, both to will and to do His good pleasure (Phil 2:13). What does that mean practically for the believer? In the simpliest terms it means that when the word of God convicts our heart in any area, that is God working in us. Whatever that conviction is in our life, we obey it through faith. Our obedience is a work of faith and we walk in the light of it.
Example: Let's say that someone offended and accused you of something you did not do. Instead of reacting toward them you humble yourself before God in quietness and the Holy Spirit tells you to forgive them right away. You obey and you instantly forgive them inwardly, before any negativity can get in. That is the work of God because you believed the conviction from the Holy Spirit and you did what God wanted by faith. Because you believed, God puts that on your account for righteousness, just like He did for Abraham (Rom 4:3, Gal 3:6, James 2:23). The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith ...ect (Rom 1:17). We walk by faith, we live by faith and we are justified by faith and that is the work of God. It is not a set of rules that we do, but it is walk we have with God though the obedience of faith (Rom 1:5,16:26). I hope that helps you, because it has helped me.
Your answer is balanced and it puts the emphasis on the grace of God that works in us, both to will and to do His good pleasure (Phil 2:13). What does that mean practically for the believer? In the simpliest terms it means that when the word of God convicts our heart in any area, that is God working in us. Whatever that conviction is in our life, we obey it through faith. Our obedience is a work of faith and we walk in the light of it.
Example: Let's say that someone offended and accused you of something you did not do. Instead of reacting toward them you humble yourself before God in quietness and the Holy Spirit tells you to forgive them right away. You obey and you instantly forgive them inwardly, before any negativity can get in. That is the work of God because you believed the conviction from the Holy Spirit and you did what God wanted by faith. Because you believed, God puts that on your account for righteousness, just like He did for Abraham (Rom 4:3, Gal 3:6, James 2:23). The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith ...ect (Rom 1:17). We walk by faith, we live by faith and we are justified by faith and that is the work of God. It is not a set of rules that we do, but it is walk we have with God though the obedience of faith (Rom 1:5,16:26). I hope that helps you, because it has helped me.
Peace be to you tara
We are commanded to love one another,These are the works of that.
math 25,23
And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
These are things people do who Love one another.God dwells in us all.Love is grand
Prayer and fasting is serving the lord.Luke 2,37
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Love God with all your heart mind soul and strength.Love your neighber like you love yourself.
God From the creation has worked with people to get us to treat each other farly,honestly,with kindness and Love.Thats not so hard is it
Love a friend in God
We are commanded to love one another,These are the works of that.
math 25,23
And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
These are things people do who Love one another.God dwells in us all.Love is grand
Prayer and fasting is serving the lord.Luke 2,37
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Love God with all your heart mind soul and strength.Love your neighber like you love yourself.
God From the creation has worked with people to get us to treat each other farly,honestly,with kindness and Love.Thats not so hard is it
Love a friend in God
B
Depends if you are speaking of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.. then... it is an act of faith.
Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Luke 3:16John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
Some wayward believers will insist that one must initiate this baptism, but God gives the Holy Spirit by promise by way of Jesus Christ, not by our works.
Galatians 3: 14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.....26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
If you are referring to water baptism, then know that as a question for a requirement of salvation.. it is not a work since the Gentile believers in Acts 10 were hearing the Gospel, and believing in Jesus and before any one knew they had believed.. they were baptized with the Holy Ghost by way of Jesus Christ. Of course, afterwards, they offered the water baptism to the Gentiles but as a public witness of their conversion, not of their salvation.
The Lord is rich towards all those that call on Him as the promise is that all those that call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved... so anyone dying in a desert due to thirst can rest assured.. they are saved for God is able to save anyone at any time without water baptism because Jesus is the Saviour.
So water baptism can be seen as an act of obedience, but not of a necessity... moreso a public witness as in confessing Him before men at that time of conversion, rather than a requirement from God for salvation. One can confess Him by the words of our mouth other than undergoing water baptism in public. Indeed, we lean on Him to bear witness of our faith in Him when opportunity arises. So...
Titus 3: 4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Place your hopes and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and He will lead you in the way you ought to go. If we look at works, we lose sight of Him. If we look to Him and follow Him.. we shall be serving Him. Jesus Christ is Whom the Gospel is all about... a relationship with God through trust in the Son.
Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Luke 3:16John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
Some wayward believers will insist that one must initiate this baptism, but God gives the Holy Spirit by promise by way of Jesus Christ, not by our works.
Galatians 3: 14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.....26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
If you are referring to water baptism, then know that as a question for a requirement of salvation.. it is not a work since the Gentile believers in Acts 10 were hearing the Gospel, and believing in Jesus and before any one knew they had believed.. they were baptized with the Holy Ghost by way of Jesus Christ. Of course, afterwards, they offered the water baptism to the Gentiles but as a public witness of their conversion, not of their salvation.
The Lord is rich towards all those that call on Him as the promise is that all those that call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved... so anyone dying in a desert due to thirst can rest assured.. they are saved for God is able to save anyone at any time without water baptism because Jesus is the Saviour.
So water baptism can be seen as an act of obedience, but not of a necessity... moreso a public witness as in confessing Him before men at that time of conversion, rather than a requirement from God for salvation. One can confess Him by the words of our mouth other than undergoing water baptism in public. Indeed, we lean on Him to bear witness of our faith in Him when opportunity arises. So...
Titus 3: 4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Place your hopes and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and He will lead you in the way you ought to go. If we look at works, we lose sight of Him. If we look to Him and follow Him.. we shall be serving Him. Jesus Christ is Whom the Gospel is all about... a relationship with God through trust in the Son.
Peace be to you
Baptism is an appeal to God for a clear conscience.1st peter
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Love a friend in God
Baptism is an appeal to God for a clear conscience.1st peter
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Love a friend in God
I've prayed silently before and God does hear every word, spoken and unspoken. You can pray in Chinese if you want to or sign language and God will still understand. In fact as believers we can pray silently all the time in our thoughts, keeping our mind on God. A work is anything we do. That includes baptism, prayer, bible reading, going to church.
If you are speaking of water baptism, it is really both, because it is mandated that once we have believed that we should be baptized by water immersion, to reveal outwardly what we have recieved inwardly (Mt 28:19, Acts 16:15,33, 18:8, 19:15, 22:16). By faith we believe the word of righteousness and we get baptized and that is an act of obedience that fulfills a work of righteousness. Even Christ in His humanity submitted Himself to obey and fulfil baptism under John the Baptist (Mt 3:15,16). When you act by faith and obey God's word (to be baptized), that is a work of righteousness and you will have peace (Is 32:17).
B
What fulfills the work of righteousness? Or shall I ask... Who fulfilled the work of righteousness?
Matthew 5:6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
John 6:35And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
1 Corinthians 1: 14I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Acts 10:39And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
I can see it as an act of obedience to be baptized with water, but to fulfill righteousness is not the reason nor the requirement for doing it, otherwise, they would not have received the Holy Ghost if they were not a new creature in Christ Jesus, bought with a price for believing in Him.
Matthew 3:11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
1 Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
I see the analogy of the putting away the filth of the flesh is what water would do and so goes to the answer of a good conscience toward God by believing in the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the reason why Jesus would baptize a believer with the Holy Ghost before water baptism. This would explain why Paul was not pushing the water baptism as a requirment for righteousness to be fulfilled otherwise, he would not be lax in that responsibility if it was so.
I see water baptism as a public witness at conversion, but not a necessity for the fulfillment of righteousness. All those that call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved... even those that believe in His name shall be saved since the Gentile believers were baptized with the Holy Ghost before anyone knew they had believed. (* that is a great comfort for the mute of the world ) Amen.
Matthew 5:6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
John 6:35And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
1 Corinthians 1: 14I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Acts 10:39And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
I can see it as an act of obedience to be baptized with water, but to fulfill righteousness is not the reason nor the requirement for doing it, otherwise, they would not have received the Holy Ghost if they were not a new creature in Christ Jesus, bought with a price for believing in Him.
Matthew 3:11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
1 Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
I see the analogy of the putting away the filth of the flesh is what water would do and so goes to the answer of a good conscience toward God by believing in the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the reason why Jesus would baptize a believer with the Holy Ghost before water baptism. This would explain why Paul was not pushing the water baptism as a requirment for righteousness to be fulfilled otherwise, he would not be lax in that responsibility if it was so.
I see water baptism as a public witness at conversion, but not a necessity for the fulfillment of righteousness. All those that call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved... even those that believe in His name shall be saved since the Gentile believers were baptized with the Holy Ghost before anyone knew they had believed. (* that is a great comfort for the mute of the world ) Amen.
Baruch,
Don't get carried away with your zeal so much, try to understand what is being said before you jump in. The young lady that asked the question is found here. Every time that we obey the word of God by faith (Heb 4:2), that obedience is a work of righteousness. God reveals His righteousness from faith to faith, as we walk by faith one step at a time (Rom 1:17). When you love your brother who has wronged you and you forgive your brother who sins against you (Mt 18:21,22), that is a work of righteousness. When you edify and build up your brother in the word of God's grace (Acts 20:32), that is a work of righteousness. When you lay your life down for your brother, or give a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple (Jn 15:13, 1Jn 3:16, Mt 10:42), that is a work of righteousness. When you bestow more abundant honor on those that seem to be less honorable (1Cor 12:23), that is a work of righteousness. When you visit the fatherless and widows (James 1:27), that is a work of righteousness. When your love does not think or speak evil of any man (Titus 3:2, 1Cor 13:5), that is a work of righteousness. When you go through a trial and don't get negative and quit and bear up under it (2Thes 1:4, James 1:2-4, 1Pt 1:7), that is a work of righteousness. When you bear the burden of those that are oppressed (Gal 6:2, Ps 10:18, 103:6, 146:7), that is a work of righteousness.
Are you getting the picture? When we do not let any corrupt communication proceed from our mouth but we minister grace to the hearer (Eph 4:29), that is a work of righteousness. When a brother sins our love covers that sin (Prov 17:9, James 5:20, 1Pt 4:8), that is a work of righteousness. When we do these things we are believing God and He imputes or puts them on our account as righteousness (Gal 3:6-8, James 2:17-26). These are the good works that we have been ordained unto, as the work of the ministry (Eph 2:10, 4:12), that will be rewarded to the believer (Heb 10:35, 11:6, 1Jn 1:8, 1Tim 5:18, Col 3:24, 1Cor 3:14, Rev 22:12).
Don't get carried away with your zeal so much, try to understand what is being said before you jump in. The young lady that asked the question is found here. Every time that we obey the word of God by faith (Heb 4:2), that obedience is a work of righteousness. God reveals His righteousness from faith to faith, as we walk by faith one step at a time (Rom 1:17). When you love your brother who has wronged you and you forgive your brother who sins against you (Mt 18:21,22), that is a work of righteousness. When you edify and build up your brother in the word of God's grace (Acts 20:32), that is a work of righteousness. When you lay your life down for your brother, or give a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple (Jn 15:13, 1Jn 3:16, Mt 10:42), that is a work of righteousness. When you bestow more abundant honor on those that seem to be less honorable (1Cor 12:23), that is a work of righteousness. When you visit the fatherless and widows (James 1:27), that is a work of righteousness. When your love does not think or speak evil of any man (Titus 3:2, 1Cor 13:5), that is a work of righteousness. When you go through a trial and don't get negative and quit and bear up under it (2Thes 1:4, James 1:2-4, 1Pt 1:7), that is a work of righteousness. When you bear the burden of those that are oppressed (Gal 6:2, Ps 10:18, 103:6, 146:7), that is a work of righteousness.
Are you getting the picture? When we do not let any corrupt communication proceed from our mouth but we minister grace to the hearer (Eph 4:29), that is a work of righteousness. When a brother sins our love covers that sin (Prov 17:9, James 5:20, 1Pt 4:8), that is a work of righteousness. When we do these things we are believing God and He imputes or puts them on our account as righteousness (Gal 3:6-8, James 2:17-26). These are the good works that we have been ordained unto, as the work of the ministry (Eph 2:10, 4:12), that will be rewarded to the believer (Heb 10:35, 11:6, 1Jn 1:8, 1Tim 5:18, Col 3:24, 1Cor 3:14, Rev 22:12).
B
Hi BLC,
I misunderstood you only because of this quote below wherein I shall emboldened to show my concern. It was the word "fulfills a work of righteousness" and since it is alluding to an emphasis on water baptism, my zeal wanted to make sure that the verse below the quote is known for our faith.
Titus 3:4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
I misunderstood you only because of this quote below wherein I shall emboldened to show my concern. It was the word "fulfills a work of righteousness" and since it is alluding to an emphasis on water baptism, my zeal wanted to make sure that the verse below the quote is known for our faith.
Originally Posted by BLC
If you are speaking of water baptism, it is really both, because it is mandated that once we have believed that we should be baptized by water immersion, to reveal outwardly what we have recieved inwardly (Mt 28:19, Acts 16:15,33, 18:8, 19:15, 22:16). By faith we believe the word of righteousness and we get baptized and that is an act of obedience that fulfills a work of righteousness. Even Christ in His humanity submitted Himself to obey and fulfil baptism under John the Baptist (Mt 3:15,16). When you act by faith and obey God's word (to be baptized), that is a work of righteousness and you will have peace (Is 32:17).
Titus 3:4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
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