In my first post, I shared that we were created for more than just existing. We were made for purpose. In the last post, I established that this purpose begins in Christ. We saw that it is only those who are in Christ who can truly live the life God has designed. But today, let’s go a step further. Let’s focus on the latter part of that scripture: “…created in Christ Jesus for good works.”
So the question is: What exactly are “good works”? The Bible speaks about good works in several places:
- “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
- “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” — Hebrews 10:24
- “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” — 1 Timothy 6:18
Over and over again, we see the same emphasis to believers:
- Do good works.
- Be rich in good works.
- Stir one another up toward good works.
So again, what are they?
To understand this, we must first understand something fundamental:
God is good.
When Nicodemus met with Jesus, Jesus responded by pointing to the truth that only God is truly good – drawing attention to God as the standard of goodness.
Scripture also tells us:
- Every good and perfect gift comes from God.- James 1:17
So if God is the source of all that is good, then “good works” must come from Him.
This means:
Good works are God’s works.
They are not just “nice actions” or “kind gestures.”
They are works that originate from God. Works He initiates, leads, and empowers.
Jesus modelled this perfectly. He said,
“Whatever I see the Father do, that I do.” (John 5:19)
And because of that, everything He did was good, because it flowed from the Father. So we can say it this way:
Good works are God-works. Works commissioned by the Father, revealed through Jesus, and carried out by the Holy Spirit.
But let me pause here and make something clear:
Good works do not earn you salvation.
It is not your works that bring you into Christ. It is Christ who brings you into a life of good works.
In other words: You don’t do good works to be saved. You do good works because you are saved.
This brings us back to the foundation: Only the one who is in Christ can truly walk in the works God has prepared.
So the first step into purpose is not activity, it is identity.
Next time, I’ll be sharing how Jesus walked in these good works… and what that means for us today.
Love,
Ayobambo