Not Works, but Faith

“This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He sent.” John 6:29

The Jews had come to believe that salvation was through works; so they asked Jesus what “work” they must do to please God. All over the world people are still asking that question. They look to anyone who will give an answer; anyone that is except Christ. All religions have a code to live by if you want to get to heaven. For all of them salvation is by works. So, Jesus gave the simple true answer. The work of God is to believe in Christ. In other words, the work is not a work at all; it is faith. It is not blind faith in an indifferent god. It is faith in the revealed Son of God, Jesus Christ, sent by a loving God who cares for His creation.

This was Paul’s message to the Philippian jailer. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” It was Peter’s answer to the Jewish leaders. “For there is none other Name under heaven given whereby we must be saved.” It is John’s purpose for writing the fourth Gospel, “These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in Him.” It is by faith and not works that we are saved. Jesus did the work on the cross and we believe in Him. That is the work of God.

Dear Father, let me not become distracted by trying to earn my salvation; but let me daily rejoice in the finished work of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

The Friday Benediction

Until Monday, my friends, may the good God envelop you with His grace; may you prove the common confession of faith, “I believe in the holy Christian church and in the fellowship of the saints”, and may you be enriched with joy and hope as you exercise that confession this weekend.  Amen

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