OUR GOOD WORKS   
       We hear a lot about works in the religious world.  Most of what is said is we can't earn our salvation through our own works or merit and that is true.  There is really no disagreement on that point.  Others want to make actions commanded of us by God a work because it does not agree with their interpretation of Scripture concerning salvation.  Chief among this argument is the subject of baptism.
     While disagreements may continue to abound concerning the subject of works, it cannot be denied that works are mentioned often enough in the Scriptures to warrant our attention.  It also must be understood these works are not only important but necessary.  Of course, we must be clear what defines a good work.
     The most often mentioned Scripture associated with good works is Ephesians 2:10.  Here we are told, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (KJV).  The reason this verse stands out is because of the mention of grace in verse 8, used by many to show baptism is a work and therefore not essential to salvation since we are saved by grace.  Baptism is not a work unto salvation but obedience to a divine command, wherein we become recipients of God's grace (Col. 2:11,12).
     Moving on from that argument we must address the good works we have been designed to perform.  I was told some time ago of a preacher who told people he was off to do a "good work."  It came to be known his deeds were sinful and therefore, not the good works of which Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10.  However, our good works do serve a purpose.
     Peter writes, "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation" (1Pet. 2:12; KJV).  Our works are to serve as a glory to God so others who observe them can also come to glorify God in obedience to the gospel.  James speaks of our faith and the works that prove that faith (J. 2:17-26).  Our works are not done to earn salvation but because of the gift of salvation (God's grace) we have received.
     The following passages speak of doing good works.  They are Colossians 1:10, 1 Timothy 3:1 (elders), 2 Timothy 2:21, and Titus 3:1.  There are others besides but these will suffice to help us understand our walk with God is not a passive one.  It is to be a life based on faith, while understanding true faith requires obedience to God's word.  Then we are to glorify God in our daily walk so as to show to others through our deeds the love of God.  This what Peter wrote of in the passage cited earlier.  We were created to glorify God and this is done through our good (godly) works.  Rodger