Not of Works”

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 4
 
Man's proud heart rebels against the need of the GRACE OF GOD. He thinks that in some way or other his own arm can bring salvation to him.
But how clear is the Word of God! Salvation is "NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast." Eph. 2:99Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:9).
If by our own amendment, or goodness, or merit we could gain salvation, then we might well glory in what we had done.
But this can never be. "To him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of GRACE, but of debt. But to him that WORKETH NOT, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." Rom. 4:4 ,54Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:4‑5).
GOOD WORKS do have a most important place. But they cannot gain salvation. Salvation is first, as a gift, by the free grace of God. THEN, and not till then, GOOD WORKS which flow from that salvation will be known and enjoyed. The TREE of salvation first:—then the FRUIT of good works will grow on that tree.