KneEmail - a devotional by Mike Benson associated with Forthright Magazine
Righteousness 4
FALSE TEACHERS continue to propagate the idea that all works of righteousness are excluded from the salvation process...
If these preachers would follow their "reasoning" to its logical extreme, they would have to exclude even faith from the salvation process. On one occasion some people came to Jesus and asked, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" ( John 6:28). Jesus did not rebuke the people for thinking that works are essential. He did not criticize them and call them legalists for asking the question. Rather, He mentioned an essential work of righteousness and called the people to obedience. He said, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent" ( John 6:29). Denominational preachers repeatedly call upon people to believe in Jesus as the one sent by God. In doing so they will often say, "Come to Jesus in faith and be saved by trusting in Him, separate and apart from any works. Just be saved by faith without works." But, wait a minute. How can one be saved by faith without works when faith is a work itself? Now, to be sure, it is not a meritorious work. But, it is a work required of man by God (B.J. Clarke).
KneEmail: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him" ( Acts 10:34b-35; cf. Jas. 2:24).