Work!

Work!

When you think about working, striving, giving all diligence, being diligent, etc., people do not think of the gospel but about the law. The current understanding is that the new covenant is the gospel, and the gospel is that Jesus has done everything, and we shall not do anything. He fulfilled the law for us, suffered for us, died for us and instead of us. We don’t have to do anything at all. We are free.

This is true, rightly understood, but it has become a deception of Satan in which Christendom has been enveloped, and thus Christians have become unprofitable in their faith. It is the apostles who use words such as work, strive, etc., when they speak of the new covenant—the gospel. The gospel is not that Jesus has done everything and we shall avoid doing anything. To avoid working is the gospel for those whose minds have been corrupted but not for those who have the mind of Christ.

God gave the law to Israel, but it helped them only a little bit on the way of doing the good. What was impossible for the law, God did by sending His Son. Rom. 8:3-4. Now that Jesus has finished the work, there is nothing that is impossible. All things are possible for the one who believes. Jesus Christ saves us from the things from which the law could not save us. Acts 13:39.

“As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness . . . .” 2 Pet. 1:3. This is the gospel. He did not give it to us so we should not do anything. Not at all! He gave it to us so we should walk as Jesus walked—so we should follow Him!

“Everything is by grace!” is a slogan that is used often. But then why were the five foolish virgins not allowed to enter in? They were virgins and went to meet the Bridegroom! They had lamps and went together with those who entered in. They did not enter in because they were not ready! “The marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” Rev. 19:7. They had to work to get ready. Now it is vital that no one is deceived by empty words. Eph. 5:6.

Read Colossians 1:9, 28-29, and 2:1, also 4:12, and you will see the labor that Paul and others expended on them so they would be ready. However, it would have been pointless to expend all this labor on them if they had not begun to work on themselves. They could not possibly live their lives for them. They had to awaken to that same zeal if they were to be ready.

Noah is an example; he built the ark in holy fear. We, too, must work out our salvation with fear and trembling, for the Lord is working. We can labor as long as He works. Then we still have grace. Grace is taken away when He ceases to work. Then it is pointless to continue to labor.

Those who went out from Egypt did not want to suffer and work; they would rather enjoy themselves and play, which is why they were not allowed to enter the Promised Land. They are a picture of present-day Christians. Paul did not want them to be ignorant of this. 1 Cor. 10:1, 6-7. Nevertheless, in those days there was a Joshua and a Caleb who walked in the obedience of faith. Even today there are a few like them, and we must strengthen ourselves mightily in the comfort that the gospel gives. All things are possible for those who believe!

As we can see, salvation in Christ is a life of obedience. Jesus has become the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. Heb. 5:9. Paul had received the apostleship to work the obedience of faith among the Gentiles. Rom. 1:5. Therefore the Scriptures are full of exhortations, because now all things are possible. If we are to be ready at Jesus’ coming, we have to awaken and consciously work out our salvation.

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” Eph. 4:31. We need to be finished with these things before Jesus’ return. “Become complete!” 2 Cor. 13:11. These are the promises of the new covenant to us who believe. This grace is over us through the gospel; but it will be in vain if we do not want to work, just as it was in vain for those who did not enter the Promised Land. We must work out our salvation with the goal in mind so that we are ready at Jesus’ return. Then we will stand before Him without spot or wrinkle, and in peace. Eph. 5:25-27; 2 Pet. 3:11-14.