Dear BPCWAians, Last week, we looked at the question of whether faith exists without works, and established that what the Bible teaches is that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). Genuine saving faith naturally bears forth fruit. However, while we teach and emphasize the need for good works in a believer’s life, we must also understand what kinds of “good works” are really not Biblically good works in God’s eyes. What the world, and even some professing Christians’ consider as good works can be very different from the good works that God speaks of for a believer’s life. The following are not considered as good works from a Biblical perspective:

1) Works done in order to earn or maintain salvation. Works done in order to merit salvation and done to maintain salvation are not good works according to the Bible. Many parts of the Bible speak of “works of the law” (Rom 9:32, Gal 2:16, 3:2, 3:5). So, not all works are deemed to be good in God’s sight. This is also where Israel stumbled. In these passages of the Bible speaking of the “works of the law”, God is reproving them for seeking to be “justified by the works of the law” (Gal 2:16). Anyone who believes that salvation requires even the slightest bit of “good works” done cannot be saved. Justification is a free gift of God through Jesus Christ. We cannot do anything to earn salvation on our part. The Bible says that “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isa 64:6). We must realise that even with the best of efforts, “good works” can never merit salvation. There are 3 reasons why. Firstly because we are born sinners. Secondly because we can never obey God perfectly, ie our works are always tainted and do not meet God’s holy standard. Thirdly, any work done by a person cannot be used to “balance off” sinful works because each sin must be punished.

2) Political and Social good works. This is a key focus of the ecumenical movement, beginning with the ecumenical Life and Works movement which eventually led to the formation of the World Council of Churches (WCC). The purpose is to establish political and social works in the name of Christianity, providing social ministries and relief services, and being involved in international affairs. Today, the initiatives of the WCC continue this thrust, with a redefinition of diakonia (Greek word for service) as being that which serves the world’s needs for justice and peace. The WCC’s “Public Witness and Diakonia” calls “for a sustainable future, turning back the impact of climate change, in an economy that offers life for all, securing water rights, in the empowering of women and lifting up of youth. It may also be seen in advancing peace through social justice, capacity building for service, the healing ministry of the churches today and HIV and AIDS work.” Its activities include improvement of children’s well-being, promotion of health and healing for all people and addressing economic injustice. Such activities so closely parallel that of secular organisations that WCC has an “Ecumenical United Nations Office” that advocates on behalf of member churches and ecumenical partners towards United Nations and member states. These works in themselves are not necessarily evil but the promotion of social agenda is not the focus of the Christian’s duties. This is especially so when such social work involves or leads to compromising Christian faith in order for collaboration. Instead, the focus of Christian good works is a spiritual one. It is about leading people to Christ and discipling them, not merely focused on relieving physical needs and solving society imbalances.

Christ taught this clearly in John 6:26-29, Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. (27) Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (28) Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? (29) Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

We will see some more in another Pastoral letter, God willing. But for now, do realise that the Christian’s involvement in the social Gospel with its social agenda is not what the Bible refers to good works that pleases God. This social gospel has blurred the line between Truth and falsehood. Their aim is ecumenical collaboration where the aim is about socially beneficial work, and it does not matter even if it promotes the cause of Roman Catholics, Liberals, cults, or even other religions. Doctrines, sin, repentance, hell, and salvation through Christ alone, and the future kingdom of God are played down. Instead, mixing with Christian ethics, the main focus is about solving poverty, alcoholism, social inequalities, nutrition, improving education, reducing crime and wars. This is why BPCWA does not engage with movements, churches, or joint mission work that promotes this social Gospel work. You also need personally to be very careful also what work you give the money God puts in your hand because of this. Do not think you are doing good works by engaging, joining, or supporting such work that come under a Christian guise.

Yours in our Lord’s service

Pastor