KneEmail - a devotional by Mike Benson associated with Forthright Magazine
Alone #3
SOME BELIEVE AS long as they do enough good works, God will save them...
Many at judgment will try to get through the gate in this way. Jesus explained, "Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders [wonderful works -- KJV] in your name?'" (Matt. 7:22). Their "wonderful works" could include such things as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, visiting those in prison, attending religious services, community involvement, giving to charities, reading Bibles, helping the oppressed, and caring for widows, orphans, and abused children/spouses (cf. Matt. 25).
Jesus does not dispute their claim of good works. Yet, in spite of these deeds, He says He will profess to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness" (Matt. 7:23). He was not condemning good works, of course, but was stressing that they are not enough. (Wade Webster)
KneEmail: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit" ( Titus 3:5; cf. Rom. 10:3)