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Not by Works

Many Bible passages point to the fact that we are not saved by our own effort, but rather through what Jesus did for us. Hymns, songs, and choruses also celebrate the fact that God is completely satisfied with “the work” which Jesus did in surrendering up His life on our behalf. All that remains for us, as far as our salvation is concerned, is to enjoy the benefits. (The concept of Christian service is quite distinct because these “works” flow from our salvation rather than contribute to it.)

When I think about this in the abstract, I remain largely untouched. Just what does it mean that Christ has done the work and there remains nothing for me to contribute? When I think about this in more concrete terms, I deepen my appreciation for what Jesus did in dying for me.

We are familiar with the idea of pay for work. Our labours are usually rewarded with a paycheque and perhaps some other benefits, according to the arrangements we have with our employer. While some may be able to work for no pay, most of us need the financial provisions associated with work.

Imagine now that one day you show up at your place of employment ready to work, but just inside the front door is a desk. Behind the desk, is your boss. You ask, “What’s going on?” The reply is “the work has already been finished, but we’re going to pay you as if you had continued working until your planned retirement. Here’s a cheque to take care of your needs indefinitely. Enjoy!”

It’s a bizarre scenario to consider because we know it couldn’t possibly happen. Yet, spiritually, that is what did happen in relation to our salvation. Christ did all the work, and now there’s nothing left for us to do but enjoy the benefits which flow out of what He has finished on our behalf. Someone else has done the work, but we get “paid.”

We are also familiar with the concept of resting after our work. We need rest, relaxation, and the rejuvenation that sleep gives us so we can keep on working. Sometimes when I’m doing heavy physical work of some kind, I look forward to a long hot shower, or a soak in the tub and then collapsing on my bed. That mental image of rest keeps me going as I slog through the last hour or so of my work with declining energy and increasing fatigue.

Imagine now that one day you get up ready to engage in some particularly wearisome work only to find out that during the night, someone else took care of it all. As you come groggily to the breakfast table, your spouse greets you with the announcement, "There’s no work today; all you have to do is rest and relax."

This, too, is unlikely to ever be part of our experience in the material world. Yet, spiritually this is what has happened concerning our salvation. Someone else came when we were spiritually asleep (dead, really), did the work, and now roused us (brought us to life) with the exciting news that there is no work for us to do. Our “job” is to rest completely in the knowledge that the work is finished.

Lastly, we are familiar with the idea of being motivated by good times to come – by a “party” if you like. More than once, I’ve been part of schemes were the motivation of free food has been held out to motivate people to help on moving day. “Help us move,” they say, “then join us for a big party at our new place. We’ll pile all the boxes to one side and spend the evening stuffing ourselves and having the time of our lives.”

Imagine now that you show up at your friend’s house on moving day. You’re ready. You have your back brace on along with your work gloves and steel-toed boots. But there’s a sign on the door directing you to your friend’s new address. When you arrive, you’re even more confused. It seems the move has already taken place. When the door opens, the party is already in full swing. Your best friends are already there eating, drinking and making merry as if the prodigal had just returned. In fact, that’s about what’s happened. No work today. Just party on!

Because Jesus has done all the work necessary for our salvation, we are invited to the greatest celebration that will occur in the universe. (I say this from the point of view of one unable to guess at the surprises God has in store for us in a future that goes on forever.) “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb” will make the most lavish party we’ve attended look well, er... pathetic.

Somehow these “extreme examples” in the material world highlight the significance of the spiritual reality. Trying to put ourselves in the material examples is next to impossible, yet it is our spiritual reality. No wonder, we are shocked at the unusual, unanticipated, and mostly unappreciated (in the sense of not understood) “work” of the Lord Jesus Christ in dying for us that we might live.

"...when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit..." Titus 3:4-5 NKJV

"... it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no-one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

Ron Hughes
© January 2007