After my great-grandmother died, those sorting through her possessions were surprised to find a little book full of writing. The contents of the little book were even more interesting- it was, rather than the expected recipe book or a personal diary, it was something even more fascinating, a log. It was a meticulously kept list of every good deed she had ever done, almost as if that was the record that would be relied upon at the final judgment to decide her fate.
I believe that, at times, we can act as though our salvation is dependent on the actions we take. We work as though each action has a positive or negative point value and that the overall total at the end is what will decide our eternal fates.
The Bible speaks directly against this mentality. In Ephesians 2:8-9 it says,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God- not by works so that no one can boast.”
Jesus was the perfect sacrifice, through his death on the cross, he saved us from our sins. Note that the author writes that our salvation is achieved through faith- all we have to do is place our trust in Jesus!
This perspective seems to be flawed when viewed in consideration with James 2:26b where it plainly states that, “faith without works is dead.” This verse, especially considering what Ephesians says about our salvation, appears alarming. However, James anticipates any confusion and provides a full explanation for this statement- essentially, those who have faith in Christ will live as though they are changed! As James explains, when we have faith in Jesus and actively work to develop our relationship with him, we will become more Christ-like and do good works. The joy we have in Jesus will flow out into everything.
Living a life with Christ directly results in the cultivation of several desirable traits- the fruit of the Spirit. These are listed in Galatians 5:22-23a and are “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” The development of these traits means that we will be able to influence the world around us positively!
We can try to hide what is on the inside of our hearts and our true natures, but eventually, it will be exposed.
This point is illustrated well by a study of the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree in Mark 11:12-14. Perplexing to most upon a first glance, this story has significant depth and huge ramifications for Christian’s. In this story, a hungry Jesus approaches a fig tree but finds that there is no fruit. Jesus then goes on to curse the fig tree.
I always found this incident bizarre- how could Jesus, a man without sin, bring harm to anything? This action is even more confusing when one considers that the Bible explicitly states that it was not even the season for figs! However, the Bible does say that the fig tree has leaves- normally indicative to the onlooker of an abundance of fresh fruit. The tree appeared to be something that it was not. In that same way, we as Christian’s are called to be authentic in our faith and the way we act it out.
Jesus explicitly states what he expects from his followers and how he wants us to act in the world. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus recounts the two major rules for those in Christ by saying “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with your soul and with your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.” Loving your neighbour seems as though it should be an easy task, but like the lawyer asking Jesus for clarification before the story of the Good Samaritan I find myself asking the question “how much do I have to do?”
Jesus definitively answers that question in Matthew 25:31-46 when he talks about the two groups that will be found at His Second Coming- the sheep and the goats- the sheep who are credited with feeding the hungry, giving the homeless shelter, helping the sick and visiting those in prison are righteous- the text gives the impression that they did not even recognise the magnitude of their actions at the time. The goats are those who did not even see those who needed help; they walked right by. These people may have said that they followed Christ, but their hearts were empty, they did not take the message of Jesus into their hearts. When we accept Jesus’ sacrifice for us, it flows out into everything we do.
How lucky it is then that Christ accepts me as I am! Even though I am not perfect and never will be, I am striving to be better. Living with Jesus, looking to be like him and inviting him into every aspect of my life means that I am living a life of purpose. I am becoming a better person when I set my mind on what is above as the Fruits of the Spirit blend into my life. However, that is not what saves me, it is only Jesus and my faith in him that can do that, and that is the most wonderful thing!
AUTHOR: Kira-leigh Josey