WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?

By Charles N. Spence, Jr.

In Revelation 20:11-15 is a record of what will be the most climatic event to close the last chapter of human history: the judgment. One noticeable characteristic of the day of judgment is the basis upon which all men are judged. The latter part of verse 12 reads, “And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” Now some preachers would have you believe that works will not factor into whether or not a person will go to heaven. Yet, if you read all the passages in the New Testament that speak of the final judgment, you will notice a consistent theme throughout: "Judged according to their works.” Read these passages for yourself: Matthew 25:31-46, John 5:28, 29, Romans 2:6-10, and 2 Corinthians 5:10.

The Bible talks about several kinds of works. There are works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19). There are works of the law (Rom. 3:28). There are works of righteousness (man's personal good works - Titus 3:5). There are works of God (John 6:28). Aside from the works of God, no other works can lead unto salvation. This is plain to see in the Bible. So, what are the works of God? Jesus said in John 6:29 that faith is work of God. Both John the Baptist and Paul imply that repentance is a work of God (Luke 3:8 & Acts 26:20). Confession is another work which is done with the mouth (Rom. 10:9-10). Baptism immersion in water is described in Colossians 2:11-12 as work of God. God had purposed that those who would be His would do His works (Eph. 2:10). All who would be saved are those who are redeemed from evil works to do good works toward God (Tit. 2:14).

So what are you doing? Or are you doing nothing? How will God view you in the day of judgement? Can he say to you, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” if you had not done His works?