How do we gain favor with God? Many people think that we “earn” eternal life by being good, religious and charitable, but works won’t work. Come see what the Bible says will work . . .
We intuitively know that God wants us to be good and do good. We know that God is good and glorious, so it naturally follows that if we’re to be welcomed into his presence (favorably) then we ought to be good and seek for his glory. This human focused tendency is manifested in every religion mankind has come up with. Though culturally religions vary widely, the core principle of the systems are the same: God requires us to do certain things in order to gain his favor. Roman Catholics must follow the sacraments to hopefully gain eternal life; Muslims must faithfully observe the 5 pillars to gain paradise; Jehovah’s Witnesses must witness and obey the watchtower; Hindus achieve liberation through respect to Karma, etc. It all comes down to being good and doing good. But what does Jesus and the Bible teach?
Jesus said, “Many will say to me in that day (the day of judgment), Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto you, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:22-23 It is clear from his teaching here that there are many people who are professing worshippers of God who will be rejected by him. They say, “Lord, Lord…” showing repetition. These are people known to be religious and are consistent in their practice. Not only so, but they even carry a spiritual power: they perform wonderful works. There are people who can do supernatural things and are capable of doing unusual levels of philanthropy and altruism that will be rejected by God. Their works won’t work. Jesus told us in this passage that the person who will enter the kingdom of heaven is “he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21 What is God’s will? “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40 Everlasting life is not earned by religious or good things we do, but is rather a gift given to those who believe in Jesus, who trust in the work that HE has done on our behalf.
The apostle Paul made it abundantly clear when he said, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 Eternal life is too precious to be purchased with our good deeds. It is and always will only be a gracious gift from God. Works won’t work, but faith will. Paul, in speaking about his own conversion wrote that God, “…saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” 2 Timothy 1:9
He made this very plain in another passage as well, “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not 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; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7 Favor with God is predicated on the fact that he has shown us mercy. In other words, we have all done wrong and need to be forgiven – this is the first step towards God. Criminals go to jail, not because of their lack of philanthropy, but because they have committed crimes. God has laws, and we have all broken those laws: do not lie, do not steal, honor your parents, etc. We deserve death and judgment from God. If we are attempting to argue our innocence before God’s throne on the basis of our good works, it won’t work. We don’t need a larger portfolio of charitable action, we need a changed heart. Our problem is internal. This is why the passage says that we needed “the washing of regeneration” and “renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Our lives are not naturally like spiritual soup kitchens that just need to feed more people. Rather, we are like abandoned, condemned sleaze motels that need to be torn down and rebuilt by God himself if we are to please him at all.
Even if it were possible to work your way into heaven, no one’s work would be good enough. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 2:23 Do we really think that we could approach the God who made this universe and has continued to sustain it perfectly would be impressed with our accomplishments??? God rejects sinners who try to pay him off like he’s a corrupt judge. God is good and glorious. The way that pleases him is when we come to him humbly, with repentance, pleading for mercy, and receiving his wonderful gifts. Ultimately, it is set up this way so that he receives all of the glory. “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.” Romans 3:27 There will be only one person receiving praise in heaven for all of the souls saved and welcomed in – and that is Jesus Christ!
A simple note of reasoning to think about – If you could work your way into heaven, then why did Jesus need to die???
Good works are good. We should be abounding in good works and pure forms of worship. However, it is only good if it is done from a heart of gratitude and to earn nothing from God.
Brother Lee 