All Things Work Together for Good

A Word of Truth #038  

We often face trouble. We may bring it upon ourselves, others may cause it, or it may simply come as a result of living in a sinful world. God promises: “ALL things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Just as surely as God has saved sinners and has guided events to bring the individual believer to faith in Jesus, just so surely God will use EVERY thing in a believer’s life for good, according to His purpose.

God’s purpose is that we be brought and kept in salvation. Therefore, although something may not turn out for “good” in our view as it pertains to earthly circumstances; nevertheless, God promises that it IS turning out for good according to His purpose of saving our souls and others.

Our sins often leave sad results. It is a continuing marvel of God’s grace that He uses even these failings for the good of His saving purpose.

We are Saved for Good Works, Not by Good Works!

A Word of Truth #039  

We are saved for good works, not by good works! Let me repeat that—we are saved for good works, not by good works! It is impossible to be saved by doing good works, for God’s law demands perfection—something we cannot achieve. The Bible says that we are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus. St. Paul says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not on yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

This does not mean that good works are unimportant, for St. Paul goes on to say, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” We have been saved by God’s grace through faith so that we might do those good works He planned for us!