by Bob Vince

Created on: November 06, 2011

Romans 2:6, God, "will give to each person according to what he has done." (NIV)

By accepting our Savior Immanuel (Matthew 1:23) we become new spirits, meaning our Savior's Spirit (Holy Spirit) dwells within us. In doing so we now should do good deeds through behavior and actions toward our neighbors, both near and far. The fruits of the spirit will help us accomplish this, if we listen to the Word of God through prayer and study time with Him. 

Galations 5:22 gives us the fruits of the spirit, "But, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."(NIV) By using these fruits everyone has the tools to help their neighbors, even in small ways. You don't need to give thousands of dollars to a charity or go off to some far away land to do missionary work (unless that's where the spirit is leading you). It could be as simple as leaving a few extra groceries at a neighbor's door that you know is struggling or give a gift card anonymously under a door. Even a simple act of offering your seat to an elderly or handicapped person on a bus or a train, is a good work. 

These acts are acts of faith. Faith in God's love and showing that love to others in His name and not expecting anything in return from the recipient. Works or acts of faith show others that the Savior dwells within us and is as real as you and your neighbors.

There is a dark side to works or acts of faith also, "But for those who are self-seeking and reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger." (Romans 2:8. NIV). Doing works in order to receive some kind of recognition or gain a greater status is not a fruit of the spirit. Doing such works may make you feel good and feed your ego but it is done without the fruits of the spirit and thus unrewarding spiritually. These people will say I'm going to heaven because I accepted Immanuel as my Savior, but what happens when they get there? 

Matthew 7:19, "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire" (NIV). Revelation plainly states, "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. If anyone name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 12,15.NIV).

We are saved through the acceptance of our Savior, we are judged by the works we do upon that acceptance. Judgement day comes and you're standing before the throne of judgement and the book of life is opened, don't you want our Savior to find your name there? This is what you can hear at that moment, "Good and trusty servant," and then motions you to his right hand, or, "I don't know you" and you are cast into utter darkness. The second death (Revelation 21:8).

We ask for salvation and it's given to us right-away. Shouldn't we show the gratitude of eternal life in a positive way? Where do your works lie?

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