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Pastor David Otten: What are the good works we must do on earth?

Greetings from Faith Lutheran Church in Eldorado.

My oldest son attends a Bible study at his place of employment, where a book was introduced for their review. The book taught that God does not reward good works.

Good works and their rewards was a debated issue during the Reformation. I believe there is still confusion on what scripture teaches on good works and rewards.

What are good works? Good works are acts and words of love for God and for our fellowman. It is not merely following a human ordinance or a rite that someone thought was good. The act must show love, even tough love. This does not mean that human laws cannot follow a path of love. Because of love for children, and to honor God-given authorities, we slow down while driving in a school zone.

Does God want us to do good works? Yes! Both the Old and New Testament command that we love or do good works. The Ten Commandments alone makes this clear, and Jesus commanding the lawyer in Matthew to follow the example of the good Samaritan clearly teaches that we are to do good.

Do we receive rewards for good works done? The Reformation refocused our eyes on Jesus and His cross. Luther made it clear that our acts cannot sufficiently meet the standards of love, nor compare to Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Our salvation is not the reward of our good works, but of Christ's good works. Yet, good works do have both value and rewards.

1 Corinthians 3:8: "He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor." And Matthew 5:12: "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Note that Jesus uses the word "great" in describing the reward.

Some may question this as Isaiah says, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (Isaiah 64:7)

Even for well-meaning Christians, without the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, our works would be filthy rags. However, as a Christian's good works are sanctified by the Spirit, they become a sweet aroma to God and pleasing. God does reward these sanctified acts of love.

What are the rewards since it is not salvation? God has not reveled in scripture what these rewards or treasures that we lay up in heaven will be. We know, on earth, that God promises a good life to those who honor their father and mother.

Heroes receive medals, and streets, buildings, towns and other things are named after them. What these heavenly rewards will be are yet to be revealed.

I pray my good works may give glory to God and serve my neighbor. Yet, for salvation, I trust only Jesus.