WORKS

The term "works" is a perfectly noble word; yet, in the minds of some, there is a distorted view of this biblical term. Especially has the Protestant world reacted negatively to Catholicism's "works system" -- an ideology contrary to the divine plan of redemption. This reaction, however, is itself an extreme, equally as dangerous as Catholic dogma. Note some of the various categories of works: (a) There are the works of divine creation which bring glory to the Creator (Psa. 19:1-3; Rom. 1:20; Heb. 1:10; 2:7). (b) There were miraculous works by which God authenticated revelatory messages through his specially appointed spokesmen (Acts 2:22). (c) The law of Moses was characterized by works. These were works, however, through which there was no justification (Rom. 3:28), because no one could keep perfectly that law -- hence all under the system were "cursed" by it (Gal. 3:10-11). Christ was absolutely essential as a sacrifice for those who lived under Mosaic law (Gal. 4:4; Heb. 9:15-17). (d) There are works of human "merit," which, though perhaps benevolent in motive and effect, cannot save a person (Eph. 2:8-9; 2 Tim. 1:9; Tit. 3:5). A good work per se has no intrinsic power to cancel sin. (e) Actions implemented in response to commands of God are also called "works" (Eph. 3:10; Tit. 3:8; Rev. 2:26). Faith is a work (Jn. 6:27-29; 1 Thes. 1:3; 2 Thes. 1:11; Jas. 2:14ff), and so is repentance (Mt. 12:41; Jonah 3:10). Baptism is a work only in the sense that it expresses obedience to a divine command (Acts 2:38; 10:48). Baptism is called the "washing of regeneration," and it is distinguished from "works" of human "righteousness" (Tit. 3:5). (f) At the day of Judgment, men will be judged by their earthly works (2 Cor. 11:15; Rev. 20:12-13; 22:12).