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Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Four)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe purpose of works in the Christian life is multifaceted and deeply significant. Good works are required of the Christian, not as a means of justification before God, but as essential evidence of belief and repentance. Before justification, works such as studying God's Word, bearing fruit fit for repentance, and making changes in conduct demonstrate a turning toward God, though they cannot erase past sins or earn forgiveness. After justification, works take on a far greater role during sanctification, a process of inward spiritual transformation led by Jesus Christ as our High Priest. Sanctification involves working with the Father and Son to yield to Their purpose, pursuing holiness without which no one will see the Lord. This process requires consistent effort to keep God's commandments, walk in love, overcome sin, and produce fruit that glorifies Him. Works during sanctification are the visible evidence of conversion, showing that one is indeed a child of God and prepared for His Kingdom. God is not unaware of these efforts; though they do not justify us, they please Him as sacrifices of obedience and submission. The quality of our works may be imperfect, but God looks on the heart, recognizing our motives and intentions, much like parents see the efforts of their children. These works, enabled by His Spirit, are necessary to produce holiness and to stand as a witness to our character before the judgment seat of Christ. Ultimately, works are integral to fulfilling God's purpose for us, preparing us for life in His Kingdom. They are practical requirements that cannot be dismissed, as they are the means by which we grow to reflect His image, maintain unity within His church, and demonstrate our love and loyalty to Him through daily obedience, prayer, and study of His Word. Without such works, there is no evidence of spiritual life or readiness for His eternal presence.
God's Workmanship (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's creation did not end with the physical creation or our election, but God continues to work, giving us the motivation and the power to do His will.
What's Wrong With Works?
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughAccepting the blood of Christ has a cost. If we are to uphold the terms of the covenant, we must give up the sinful life we led in the flesh and obey God.
God's Workmanship (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSalvation is not a one time event, but a continuous process—not just immunity from death, but a total transformation of our nature into a new creation.
Titus (Part Seven): Maintaining Good Works
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though we are not justified by good works, good works are the honing process with which God perfects us in the life-long process of sanctification.
God's Workmanship (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWorks are not the cause of salvation, but instead are the effect of God's creative efforts at bringing us into His image—a new creation.
Part of the Plan
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloMany believe that salvation is assured and works only relate to reward. However, God did not reward the unprofitable servant with eternal life but exclusion.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEverything that we go through has been engineered by God. We are His workmanship, created for good works, a response to the faith He has given us.
The Christian Paradox (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSalvation is not merely self-identifying oneself as a saint, but it involves rigorously working with God in an arduous process of transformation.
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because we are all sinners, we have earned only death; justification is not earned, but must come through faith and believing God as did our father Abraham.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnder both the Old and New Covenants, refusal to keep to keep God's Law severs the relationship. God's law protects us and brings us quality life.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Profit from life is produced by work, requiring sacrifices of time and energy. We have been created for the very purpose of doing good works.
All in All (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)While we are not yet 'all in all' with God's purpose for us, we will, if we yield to our calling and sanctification, become at one with God.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChrist will empower us, but will not live our lives for us. The marching orders for our pilgrimage derive from God's Word, containing His holy law.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSatan has attempted to obliterate the sanctification step from the conversion process. Sanctification is produced by doing works pleasing to God.
Making the Cut (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhy should we think that God disdains requirements for entrance into His Kingdom? Spiritual growth is an intrinsic part of equipping the saints for service.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Until Christ returns, the world's problems will not be solved. Using godly wisdom helps us to deal with our circumstances, but it won't change the world.
Knowing Christ (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSanctification is the longest, most difficult, and most grueling part of the conversion process—a time when suffering and sacrifice are demanded of us.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Three): Hope
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHope conveys the idea of absolute certainty of future good, and that is exactly what the Bible tells us we have upon our calling and acceptance of God's way.