What Does It Mean To Have Works?

Was not Abraham our father justified by works,

 when he had offered Isaac his son upon

 the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought 

with his works, and by works was faith 

made perfect? And the scripture was 

fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, 

and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: 

and he was called the friend of God. Ye see 

then how that by works a man is justified,

 and not by faith only. Likewise also was 

not Rahab the harlot justified by works,

 when she had received the messengers, 

and had sent them out another way?

James 2:21-25

     As we study the seven Churches in Revelation it is noticed that in every epistle Jesus says, 'I know they works.' It is very striking that this expression is told about those seven Churches. Jesus does not say: 'I know your profession, your desires, your resolutions, your wishes,' but says: 'I know your works.' Therefore works is very important and if one is to be an Authentic Christian they will be manifested in your  life. Works cannot and does not justify you or wipe out your sins, or deliver you from the wrath of God. Just because they cannot save you does not diminish their importance. If you think that they do, then you are deceiving yourself. Each person claiming to be a Christian must earnestly contend for the faith and that contending is the evidence of a person's religion. This was certainly true of Abraham, and Rahab for by their faith came works, their faith was proved by their works. Many say that they know God, and by this profession they have come to believe that they are godly. They may be living a moral life but they are not manifesting their faith by this alone, their profession alone is not enough in fact they may be denying Jesus Christ: "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable and disobedient,and unto every good work reprobate" (Titus 1:16). Jesus stated: "For every tree is known by his own fruit....." (Luke 6:16a).

     Whatever you are doing, saying, all things about you are known by Jesus Christ, therefore your works as a professing Christian are known by God. Jesus hears all, even your whispers, every letter you may have written, every thought you have had and will have: there is no secret with God about you that you have that He does not know, all things are manifest before Him. Jesus, as we will read and study later in Revelation, will judge the wicked when the books are opened and this 'according to their works.' Jesus knows the works of His people and will reward then and will weigh them, "Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed" (1Samuel 2:3). Your works will follow you: "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them" (Revelation 14:3). Paul wrote: "Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor" (1Corinthians 3:8). 

     Is this not a solemn warning? Yes! There is a warning to all worldly people, to all hypocrites, those professors of religion. Jesus says: 'I know they works.' You cannot deceive Jesus Christ and He will expose you on the last day: Unless: you REPENT! Oh how sorry it is to have the name Christian and to not have the reality. Remember: your sins will find you out. Yet by the mercy of God He send out a word of warning: 'I know thy works.' 

And it shall be said in that day,

    Lo, this is our God; we have

waited for Him, and He will save us:

    this is the LORD; we have waited

for Him, we will be glad and rejoice

    in His salvation.

                      Isaiah 25:9

What works will you do today for the Gospel?

Richard L. Crumb