Good Works

“ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Jesus.

According to both Jesus and John the Baptist, "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." Only those who do the will of the Father enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but Jesus said he will declare to those who say to him 'Lord, Lord' yet don't do his will, "I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!"

Did Jesus really consider it so important to bear good fruit? Jesus told chief priests and elders of the Jews, "The kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it." Jesus said “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will reward each according to his works.”

Explaining a parable of a sower sowing seeds that fell on different conditions, Jesus told his disciples, "The ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience."

Consider, also, what Jesus said to the first century churches through the 'Revelation of John':

“ I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth.” 

“ ..all the churches shall know that I am he who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” 

“ I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent.. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy.”

We also read in 'Revelation' of the wife of the lamb having made herself ready, "And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." At the end of 'Revelation' we can read, "There shall by no means enter [the holy city, New Jerusalem], anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie... Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie."

There are too many passages to quote here. I will finish with the following four, by James, Paul, John and Peter.

“ Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead... Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.”
- James 

“ I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.”
- Paul 

“ If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of him... Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as he is righteous.. In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.”
- John 

“ In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears him and works righteousness is accepted by him.”
- Peter