I Know Thy Works

2023-12-25

The phrase “I know thy works” appears seven times in the Bible, and they correspond to the seven churches of Asia in Revelation. Everyone who knows the Scriptures knows that we are not saved by good works. We cannot elicit the favor of God by performance. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work” (Romans 11:6).

However, it is Jesus who speaks of each church’s works. He tells them of what is going right and what is going wrong. Sometimes they started well, but they needed to “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:5). Real consequences were pronounced on those who did not continue in the right works.

This goes along with yesterday’s post, how the Lord expects fruit, and does everything to make sure you produce fruit. In addition, there are specific works for each of us to complete. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

Whatever the Lord has prepared for you to do, keep doing it with gusto. “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12).