Of what value are good works if they do not save us?

Ephesians 2:8-9 is a very important scripture and often quoted. “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.”

Salvation is a divine work of God in the heart of man and is neither deserved nor earned. This is a wonderful truth but many neglect verse 10 which follows. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”Read more

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. —Isaiah 64:6

God saw the Israelites as unclean and defiled in spite of their prayers, sacrifices, alms and praises. He detested their acts of worship because they were mingled with corruption.

Their righteousnesses were as filthy rags. The outwardly pious deeds were classified as highly unclean. The term “filthy rags” in the Hebrew means literally, a “menstruous rag.”

Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. —Jonah 3:2

God gave the prophet Jonah a commission to go to Nineveh and “preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.” The other prophets may be displeased, the people may not like it, and you may not get recognition for your sacrifice. You may even be run out of town, but be faithful. Do not preach opinion or your ideas, but preach what the Spirit says with love, judgment and Holy Ghost boldness.Read more