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In a recent article in this column, the frightful consequences of being exposed at the judgment as not being known by Jesus was discussed in the context of relationship. This writer can conceive of nothing more frightening or dreadful to contemplate than this. If this is so of anyone, it is also so that that one does not himself know Jesus, regardless of any other factors in his or her life. Not being known by Jesus will result in separation from His presence, because they are accounted as workers of lawlessness.

But what about anyone who claims to know Jesus, and does not believe that works of lawfulness are expected by Jesus? Can they really be known of Jesus (and know Jesus) without any works of righteousness? Notice a statement by the Apostle Paul that is seldom quoted along with preceding verses: “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NET) Two words are brought out here that are of great importance. Notice that this saving faith is “not from” ourselves. There is a faith, a belief that can be of ourselves that is not a saving faith because it is not the “gift of God”. This is the “faith” that those whom Jesus said were never known of him. They were not in Christ, and therefore they did not walk (live) in Him, and thereby did not do the works that God had prepared. These were boasting of there works and their faith which if they were of God, they would not and could not boast. Their boasting was self condemning. If works are done outside of Christ - however “good” they may be - they are works of man, and not works prepared by God. Those separated by Jesus apparently thought that their works qualified them for a relationship. Instead, it is the relationship that qualifies and makes available already prepared works for them to do.

But what of those who truly have a valid relationship with Jesus, and have entered into the works that God has given for them to do, and do not boast of their gifts from God, but strive in Christ by the leading of the Holy Spirit to please him? Are these works performed perfectly? Is their character such that their life and striving for righteousness perfect (see article on “Perfection”)? No. But Christ living in them, and they in Him have entered into the works of God in their lives. Good works are expected. Indeed, this is why they have been prepared, so that we may do them.

Having entered into the works that God has prepared for us, there is often discouragement and failure in living out what Jesus has put in us. We are known by Christ, empowered by Him, but we are still human. We fail. We sin. The works that we desire to do in Christ sometimes are like the most desirable peach on a tree that is always “just out of reach”. A reading of Romans 7 can help us see our own struggle in the light of a life that was much more fruitful in the works of God than most of us - and with just as many failures and discouragements. In closing his final commentary describing his desire to work righteousness and his many failures to do so, he states: “But I discern in my bodily members in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh] a different law (rule of action) at war against the law of my mind (my reason) and making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in my bodily organs in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh]. O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death? O thank God! [He will!] through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One) our Lord! So then indeed I, of myself with the mind and heart, serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.” (Romans 7:23-25 AmpBible)

Paul states that Jesus Christ will deliver him. But is there any assurance, is there any hope for lesser mortals?

There are two verses in the Word of God that seem to sum up the whole scope of the hope and lack of hope for all of humanity. They discuss the two ends of the whole spectrum of what rejection or acceptance of Jesus Christ means to a lost world - and all of us who name the name of Jesus Christ. At one end is the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:23, which picture utter hopelessness. The other expresses the hope of every true Christian down thought all the ages until now, and beyond. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

This writer has often felt if it were not for this one scripture, he would drown in despair. If you are in Christ, read this often. Believe it. Lean upon it. If you do no yet believe in Jesus Christ, read it and believe...

“THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.” - Romans 8:1

Blessed Assurance!

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Mercy and not Sacrifice (Sept. 30, 2010)