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(Pro 24:12 KJV)  If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

Recently our pastor’s wife was accused of being a heretic because she believed in a religion of salvation by works.  This is a common put-down by people who are immersed in the Calvinistic view of theology.  The whole idea of “works” (6467) is condemned wholesale.  These people love to quote Ephesians 2:8-9 which points out the place of grace and faith and ignore verse 10 which uses the Greek version of this word “works” in a positive way.

To me the Bible is very clear about two things.  First, we cannot save ourselves.  We cannot earn enough merit to pay for our sin.  Salvation only comes because God has graciously sent Jesus as the Perfect Lamb of God to be the sacrifice or propitiation.  Second, God expects us to live holy lives in response to that gift.  Grace does not rule out works.  Grace does not negate works.  Even Paul, the Apostle of grace, refers to this.

(2Co 5:10 KJV)  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

So?  Rejoice that God has provided a way to salvation that is not dependent on our hard work and perfection.  Be alert to the fact that He expects you to live the life He has made possible.  It is not a salvation by works; it is a salvation leading to works.