15/09/2014 - DO WHAT GOD TELLS YOU

• 
• 
• 
• 

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. James 2.24

The Bible talks about justification by faith, by which we are made guiltless of all the acts we have committed, being considered as if we had never done anything wrong. This position of exceptional privilege can only be attained by faith. It is not because of the parents’ prayers or any other person’s prayers that someone can change their nature. It is also not good works that can change people, but only faith in Jesus.

The truth is that none of those who practice good works by their own initiative will receive any reward from the Lord. Now, those who are guided by God to accomplish whatever it may be and obey His orders will reap the reward on the last Day. Truly, even someone who gives a cup of cold water to one of His little believers will have His reward. First, comes faith; then comes the works that make it complete.

According to James, the brother of Jesus, the works that bring justification follow the faith that was given by God. That is why the works that the Lord inspires us to execute will lead us to be justified before the Most High. What the apostle said does not conflict with what Paul said about the justification by faith. Faith cooperates with works, and the works justify the faith.

Religious people from all ecclesiastic organizations that go around the world doing good to people, whether Christians or not, will not have their attitudes accepted as the works for justification, as mentioned by James. In the human aspect, what these people do is good. However, since they did not accept the faith in Christ, these good works do not have value in regards to the eternal life, even if a lot of effort was put into the accomplishment of these actions.

In the Last Day, we will see many people justified by similar works, because they accepted the faith in Jesus and did their works with the divine order and direction. It was the case of Abraham – cited by James (v. 23) –, who believed in the Lord before it all. The works of those who have yet not converted will do them no good, since the Most High did not order them.

Jesus spoke of two brothers to whom the father asked them to do something. The first said no; then, regretful, he obeyed. The other said yes; however, he did not do as he promised (Mt 21.28-31). There are many saved ones who will be disappointed with what will happen to them in the great Day, because they did not obey what was ordered to them. It is very serious to despise a divine order. However, those who listen to God will receive their reward.

Evangelization would have saved millions of people that have already died, from waiting for the final judgment and marching towards eternal suffering in Hell. If the last generation did not fulfill what was ordered to them, we are not guilty. However, we will not be considered innocent if we do not preach now to every creature in the world.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares