The Difference Between “Work”, “Work” and “Work”

...Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. – Php 2:12

But will you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? – Jas 2:20

I know your works... – Rev 2:2

...but if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. – Rom 11:6

The role of “works” in our salvation was the fundamental issue that led to the schism of Protestantism from the Catholic Church and continues to be the sticky point of irreconcilability between the two today. Even among Protestant circles, the debate still rages as to the place of “works” as proof/seal/evidence/requirement (take your pick) of salvation. The scriptures don’t seem to help either because, (as can be seen in our opening verses), it uses the term “work” rather fluidly.

This theological/philosophical dispute has in no small measure acted as a stumbling block to the Gospel message. Nevertheless, the Believer in Christ is not a theological or philosophical construct; the Believer is a new creature! Note that the Bible didn’t say he or she is a new “being” or new “person” (as some modern translations try to put it in order not to sound Frankenstein-ish), but a new “CREATURE” or new “specie”. Therefore, we cannot judge or assess the Believer as though they were regular human beings.

Eph 2:10 says, “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.” That means the “works” that we are looking for is not something the Believer does but something that is already created in him! 

Asking a convert to “prove” their salvation is like asking your newborn baby girl to prove her womanhood. She doesn’t have to prove anything. All it takes to be a woman is embedded right there inside her 2 kilograms of flesh. Just keep feeding her and one day, you – and the rest of the world – will know that you gave birth to a woman!

We know that we’re to work OUT our salvation, but you can only work out, what’s already IN you, (which God does, Phil 2:12). Is there no “work”, then, necessary for salvation? Oh, there’s one work alright. And here it is:

“Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that you believe on Him whom He has sent.” – John 6:29.

Have you believed?

More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.

GREG ELKAN