Podcast 34 Saved by Grace, Judged by Works

A New Voice of Freedom

Because of the grace of God, all mankind will be resurrected, receive a perfect immortal body, and stand before the judgment bar of God. Immortality for all man is automatic through the gift of grace. However, because of the conditions imposed upon the law of mercy by the law of justice, eternal life with God must be a choice; therefore, another paradox exists—works vs. grace.

There is a division among Christians concerning the role of works. The answer to the paradox lies in Paul’s immortal statement: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) That begs the question: If works cannot save us, what is the value of works?

Paul’s statement lies at the very heart of Christianity. If that is false, then Christianity is false for, without the grace of Christ, what would religion have to offer but suggestions for a good life? There must be justice, or the world could not endure. There must be grace, or justice would condemn us all to hell; however, there must be standards of judgment or judgment is arbitrary.

Christ explains the necessity of works in the role of judgment in the following famous parable:

“35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:35-40)

Serving others is serving Christ. Having faith in God is part of the first great commandment: ‘love the Lord with all thy heart.’ Serving others is part of the second great commandment: ‘love thy neighbor as thyself.’ In a way, the first great commandment shows our faith in the Father; the second great commandment shows our faith in the Son.