Isn't That Work Salvation?

Hey all! I have felt the need to write about the difference between work salvation and active repentance before the Father for quite some time now. I feel some of our current Christian teaching has not adequately explained the difference to us. There is a lot to say about it and I am certain I do not have it all figured out- so please, be gracious to me! I feel some people use the verse "its not by works" (in regards to salvation) out of context, causing them to eventually drift in their faith - allowing themselves to be more liberal morally than the apostles ever intended because they are now penalizing true acts (or works) of repentance along with works of the law (ceremonial, i.e. circumcision, sacrifices, sprinkling of blood, works for the ministry etc.). I feel it is very important to explain the difference so we do not muddle unrepentant, unchecked sin and works of the law. I feel some people have inadvertantly blended the two, not taking the time to adequately study and research what they are saying. God demands repentance, and "deeds appropriate to repentance", which is far different from "works of the law" being able to save you.

I would like to begin this topic with two verses, both spoken by the same apostle. The first is Acts 26:20 which states, "but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, PERFORMING DEEDS APPROPRIATE TO REPENTANCE." The second I want to look at is Ephesians 2:8&9, "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, that no one should boast." So we see here, the same man is saying to "perform deeds appropriate to repentance" and then saying "it is not by works so no man can boast".

So this is my take on what is being said (God allows us to use scripture to interpret scripture). Everything takes work (i.e. effort), now when Paul speaks of "saved not by works" I think this is what he is saying, "Do not think for one moment God looked down from His throne and saw that you were righteous (doing what the law required) enough to come and save". Now the other 'works' or "deeds appropriate for repentance" also takes work. These are the actions (works, deeds) that back up my confession (which also takes work - it is not automatic). God set up the system in such a way that faith without actions cannot save me. So, when I say I am sorry and I want Jesus to redeem me, I have to take active steps in showing Him true repentance (active faith in turning from my sin). This is not to be confused with "work salvation" which says, "I obeyed all the ceremonial law, and performed all the law would require me to perform and that is why God will save me" or "I went to church, sang the hymns, bagged groceries for the poor all in the name of Jesus and that is why He will save me". So it basically boils down to James chapter 2, "faith without obedience (action, works, deeds appropriate to repentance) is dead" If this does not make sence, hopefully the next verse will aid in this discussion.

Let's look at Matthew 7:22 & 23. "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness." I like the New Living Translations version on vs. 23, it states, "But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, YOU WHO BREAK GOD'S LAWS (emphasis mine).'

Ok, now we have these men before the Jesus on the day of judgement and they are trying to argue that their works of "righteousness" should give them entrance into His kingdom. Do you see this? "Did we not prophesy in your name? and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?" See, they did all of the "right" things a.k.a. hoping their works would save them. But what does our Savior say? "Depart from me you workers of lawlessness" or "get away from me, you who break God's laws". Now what "laws" is Jesus refering to here? The violation of moral law! See, they were judged on their lack of works of repentance, in fact, they worked the opposite, they were workers of iniquity! They figured since they did a "wonderful" job for Jesus, they wouldn't have to come through the narrow way, true repentance from moral degredation. Remember, I can say I am sorry all I want, but until I produce action to back that repentance up it will be dead...nonexistent. I can do wonderful things for the ministry all I want, but it will not save me unless I place true faith (which will be backed by 'deeds appropriate to repentance') Remember James rebuke in 2:19&20? "You believe God is one (faith). You do well; the demons also believe (faith) and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works (deeds appropriate to repentance) is useless?"
So what does this look like practically? The person who has 'prayed the prayer', gone to church for years and continues the affair he fell into, is not producing 'deeds appropriate to repentance'. The same type of person (who has 'prayed the prayer') who leaves their family for no good reason and continues in ministry, is trying to be saved by their works, but because they work iniquity, they will not be ok. The person who knows it is not ok to be drunk, and is causing a disrupt in peoples faith but still doing ministry will not be ok. Better yet, let me let Jesus do the talking here.

Luke 12:41-46
41Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?"
42The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.

Note a few things. First it is clear this was a message given to the disciples, if not all of the people based upon verse 41, "Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?" Second, we see this wicked servant was still "serving" in the house of God, but he began to be a worker of iniquity. So we see our works can penalize us! Isn't it scary that our Lord Jesus used the word "assign". "Will assign him a place with the unbelievers", if that doesn't strike a good fear of God within a person, I do not know what will. Let's be careful how we live!

Maybe you are reading this and a good, healthy fear has come upon you. That is a good thing, that is the healthy fear of God. It is not too late to be truly repentant. Maybe you are a person who has never really understood that repentance takes work/action/deeds, to prove genuine. Maybe you are one who (not knowing better) took the easy way out and used arguments like "its not by works anyway" to defend your lawless actions. Maybe you have given God lipservice for years but you are living like hell during the week, and praising His name on Sunday. Take heart! He is gracious and forgiving once you "turn your laughter into mourning and your joy into gloom"(James 9) I recommend reading "Joy and Gloom" in the devotional archive, but I will give a brief explanation. What James is saying is to partner my faith with action. Even though I feel like laughing, I will choose not to as an act of active faith...I will choose mourning over my sin instead. I may feel joyful, but I will voluntarily be saddened, faced with the knowledge I have offended the Lord. I will place my faith and actions together, making it an active repentance. James is saying the ball is in your court, it is your choice what you want to do with it. Then look at what will happen in James 4:10, after you have obeyed this call to "do deeds appropiate to repentance", "Humble yourselves (takes action) in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you." OH PRAISE HIS NAME!! HALLELUJAH! He is so merciful and forgiving! See? He will lift you up! He will forgive you, but only with 'deeds appropriate to repentance'!

This has been such a confusing topic that even Bible critics allege Paul and James are not saying the same things when in reality they are. IN a quick nut shell, James' chapter 2 "works" are what Paul is talking about in Acts 26:20, and what John the Baptist is talking about in Matthew 3:8&9 which states, "Therefore bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance;"

I hope this teaching has helped explain the difference between work salvation, and deeds appropriate to repentance. I will probably write more about this later, as I may have done a poor job. But please, do not be a person who passively lumps legalistic observance of the law and true works of repentance together. Separate the difference and get a renewed fear of Him. Do not be a person who says, "I am not saved by works, so my deeds could not hinder me either!" You are (possibly on accident) blending two type of "works" that were never meant to be thought of the same. Remember, the men in Jesus' parable were judged by THEIR WORKS OF LAWLESSNESS. Please do not deceive yourselves.

If you have any questions or need my help, do not hesitate to contact me.
With Love,
Chris Goff