It is with reluctance that we refrain from comment [pg 341] on the above, however we believe the abolition of the whole Mosaic system to be so plain to every unprejudiced heart as to render comment unnecessary.
Good Works.
Christians possess a light; they are “children of light,” and are commanded to “let their light shine.” How can Christians shine the light of the gospel and of God? By their good works. Jesus says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Mat. 5:16. God has ordained that in Christ we should perform good works. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Eph. 2:10. By the apostle Christians are exhorted to be careful to maintain good works. “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.” Titus 3:8. Then adds, “These things are good and profitable unto men.”
We have proven by the Word elsewhere that salvation from sin is not attained by good works alone, but after we are saved by grace we retain the grace by a strict and faithful performance of all Christian duties. The first neglect to perform a known duty is the first step the Christian takes on his return to the “beggarly elements of the world.” We are commanded [pg 342] to “search the scriptures.” By looking into this perfect “law of liberty,” and conforming our lives to the glorious truth taught there, we will be led into the beautiful walk of Christian virtue and duty. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” When a house is “thoroughly furnished” we understand it is furnished in every room up-stairs and down. The Scriptures are given us that by searching them and receiving of their corrections, reprovings, and instructions we may be furnished in every department of our capabilities with good works. If man obeys the voice of the inspired Word of God he will be “a vessel unto honor, sanctified and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work.” Christians should be rich in good works. “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.” 1 Tim. 6:18.
Saints should be fruitful in good works. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Saved people in some texts of Scripture are likened unto good trees. They are a tree that is abounding with the fruit of every good work. Christians are admonished to be ready to every good work. “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities [pg 343] and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.” Titus 3:1. They should be established in them. “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and stablish you in every good word and work.” 2 Thes. 2:16, 17. They should abound to all good works. “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” 2 Cor. 9:8.
The apostle prayed that they should be made perfect in every good work. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ: to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Heb. 13:20, 21. This is a most precious text. “Working in you” in the margin is rendered “doing.” All the good things a Christian does is not him doing it, but it is God doing it in him, so he is not found going about telling what he has done.
Saints should provoke each other to good works. “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” Heb. 10:24. We know of no better way to provoke others to good works than by setting a good example before them. All their [pg 344] good works should be done in wisdom and meekness or humility. “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation [or conduct] his works with meekness of wisdom.” Jas. 3:13.
The people of God do not adorn themselves with gold and pearls and costly array to appear beautiful, “but with good works.” 1 Tim. 2:9, 10. What can be more lovely than a character beautified by the ornaments of every good work in the meekness of wisdom? Glory to the name of Jesus! My soul feels like crying. “Lord, work more of thy good works in the hearts of thy people.” Man's works shall be brought into judgment. “For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Cor. 5:10. “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Eccl. 12:14.
That will be an awful hour when we are called before the tribunal of God and there have to unfold to the incomprehensible One our true character. Oh, what will it be worth in that day to hear him say, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was [pg 345] sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” Mat. 25:34-36.