We are forbidden to neglect the assembling of ourselves together. Christianity is already institutional in the earliest of its documents. The Church is the Bride of Christ. We are members of one another.
– C.S. Lewis.
I wondered before, why we have to do good works when Jesus already saved us and our good deeds will not bring us to heaven? Then I came across today’s verse. The Bible commentaries and further reading of related Bible verses helped me understand that the call for the bride of Christ to do good deeds is not to earn salvation.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Revelation 19:8. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Jude 1: Through Jesus Christ, The Saints Are Preserved
How We Can Be Ready As The Bride?
Verse eight pertains to the good works done by the saints who believed in the Saviour. Christ-followers, the bride, will be arrayed by their good deeds during the marriage of the lamb. Furthermore, Jesus said in the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Therefore, each one of us should do good works not to boast, but rather that through our deeds, God the Father will be known and glorified. As the bride of Christ, the works that we do are the result of His saving grace. Moreover, obedience to the Father’s will and following Jesus’ examples is how we ready ourselves for His second coming.
Salvation Before The Bride Can Be Ready
However, good works do not matter on Judgement Day when you are not a bride of Christ. We have to be saved for us to bear good works. Furthermore, our salvation is not coming from these works. But by God’s grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul explained, for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).
Hence, as His bride, we must repent from our wicked ways, have faith and believe in Jesus Christ and walk under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, giving glory to God in everything we do.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV.
- Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior? Accept Jesus Now.
- Do you think your good works will earn you salvation?
- How do you feel when you have done good deeds?
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- Divorce – Matthew 5:31-32
- Lustful Mind is Corrupted Heart
- Hardships Results to Patience and Faithfulness
- How To Walk Rightly With Jesus Christ?
Prayer
Dear Lord, no matter what trials await us tomorrow, may we never forget the blessings you have shown us. Help me cling to you as my anchor. Help me remember your steadfast love and faithfulness for me in all things.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
(from Crosswalk.com)
