Friday, October 31, 2014

Heaven Is Not Ours Because Of Our Works

Heaven is not ours because of our works. Doing good things for others will not take us one step closer to heaven. Heaven is ours because of Jesus' willingness to take our punishment upon himself. If we accept that sacrifice and love God, heaven is ours for eternity.
Even so, God does expect us to get busy and do good things. He won't forget the good we do. He will reward Christians for their good deeds.
There is a difference between our salvation and our reward. Salvation is a gift. Our reward is given because of our good works. Of course our reward will be worth a gazillion times more than we deserve.
Reward comes WITH salvation, not separate from salvation. We can do good works without believing in God. Many people do so. They do not receive an eternal reward for their good works.
For those who believe in Jesus and God and accept the sacrifice and love of Jesus, salvation is theirs. Because they cannot help but love Jesus and God, works automatically follow.
"“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done."
"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds."
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."
"The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor."

Edith Smith

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