Good Works Are Necessary As Things That
Are Profitable Unto Men Titus 3:8
Don Fortner
Good works cannot
produce salvation in whole, or in part. Christ alone is our Savior, and grace
alone is the cause of salvation (Eph. 2:8-9; II Tim. 1:9; Tit. 3:5). And,
though it is contrary to popular opinion, good works do not go before us into
heaven to prepare for our eternal happiness and reward there. Our works follow
us into heaven. But they do not go before us (Rev. 14:13). They shall follow
us, not as a basis of reward, but as our everlasting tribute to the grace of
God for the glory of his name. But there are three things for which good works
are necessary.
1. Good works are necessary because they are
ordained of God as a means whereby we may honor him in this world (Eph.
2. We must be careful to maintain good works,
because it is good for us personally to do so. By living in a godly manner,
maintain good works, we adorm the doctrine of Christ (Tit.
3. We must maintain good works for the good of
others. Good works are works performed by us for the benefit of other people,
especially of God's elect (Matt. 25:31-40; Phil. 2:4-5). Good works, performed
by God's saints, are often a means of winning others to Christ (I Pet. 3:1-2).
And good works are very profitable to others as an example for them to follow
(I Tim.