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Salvation is by grace. Good works are part of each believer’s new identity in Christ, as God prepares those works in advance. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) Grace is the power for good works. “And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) In fact, grace is God working in you to do His good works. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13)

While believers are called to work out their salvation, God’s grace is the power to do so. In Colossians 1:29 Paul said, “For this I toil, struggling with all His (God’s) energy that He (God) powerfully works within me.” Paul acknowledges that any effort he makes in serving and good works comes from God’s grace and strength working in him. And yet, Christians try in vain to bring their own works to God. Some say they aren’t earning their salvation, but they’re just trying to show their thankfulness to God. Good works have to come from God or they aren’t good works.

Ask God to answer these questions.

1. What does salvation mean?
2. How are you saved?
3. What is grace?
4. What are good works?
5. Why are good works part of your new identity in Christ?

Bonus questions:

1. How do you allow grace to do good works through you?
2. Does grace mean you don’t have to do anything?
3. Why does God prepare good works for you in advance?
4. What does it mean to work out your salvation?
5. Why can’t your works earn salvation?

1. Pray for the Lord to protect you and keep you in His presence and His presence only.
2. Direct your mind toward the Lord only.
3. Ask God what He want’s to talk about.
4. You can ask God any questions. In all of this, be led by the Holy Spirit. God promises that He will answer you if you ask Him.
5. Do not edit or change what God says even if you don’t understand it.
6. Reject the lies and receive the truth.
7. Take notes.
8. Transfer your notes to your journal without editing what God said to you.

Keep in mind that God doesn’t want you to ever disconnect from Him. He wants to flow through you constantly in knowledge, wisdom, and love.