I know your works!

I just love it when the Holy Spirit lays some revelation knowledge on me.  Today is such a day.  In reading through Revelation 2 and 3 I noticed something that I have never noticed before.  Check this out!

Revelation 2:1-2(NKJV)

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 

As you know, Jesus appears to John in a vision and has John record Revelation.  In chapters 2 and 3 Jesus is speaking to each of the seven churches.  Jesus says to each one, "I know your works". 

Think about that.  We know that faith is a big deal to God and Jesus.  In fact we can't be saved without it.  I also believe that it says somewhere that it is impossible to please God without faith, although I could be wrong on that one because I am going on memory. 

So what I found so interesting about this is that Jesus focuses on works instead of faith when He addresses each of the churches. 

Why do you think that is? 

My guess is that as I have pointed out before, while we are all saved by faith, our rewards in Heaven will be determined by how much service (works) we provide to God in our lives.  Here is a verse to back that up.

Revelation 2:23(NKJV)

I will kill her children with death, and 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.

Notice Jesus doesn't say "I will give to each one of you according to your faith".  He says "And I will give to each of you according to your works.". 

In Romans 5:3-5 we are told to glory in our tribulations.  As I have written in the past, I think by doing so, our joy in the face of adversity is simply and outward manifestation of our inner faith.  I think we can apply the same reasoning to this is of works. 

Our works on God's behalf are just another example of and outward manifestation of our faith and commitment to God.

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

10:29 AM

I just love it when the Holy Spirit lays some revelation knowledge on me.  Today is such a day.  In reading through Revelation 2 and 3 I noticed something that I have never noticed before.  Check this out!

Revelation 2:1-2(NKJV)

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 

As you know, Jesus appears to John in a vision and has John record Revelation.  In chapters 2 and 3 Jesus is speaking to each of the seven churches.  Jesus says to each one, "I know your works". 

Think about that.  We know that faith is a big deal to God and Jesus.  In fact we can't be saved without it.  I also believe that it says somewhere that it is impossible to please God without faith, although I could be wrong on that one because I am going on memory. 

So what I found so interesting about this is that Jesus focuses on works instead of faith when He addresses each of the churches. 

Why do you think that is? 

My guess is that as I have pointed out before, while we are all saved by faith, our rewards in Heaven will be determined by how much service (works) we provide to God in our lives.  Here is a verse to back that up.

Revelation 2:23(NKJV)

I will kill her children with death, and 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.

Notice Jesus doesn't say "I will give to each one of you according to your faith".  He says "And I will give to each of you according to your works.". 

In Romans 5:3-5 we are told to glory in our tribulations.  As I have written in the past, I think by doing so, our joy in the face of adversity is simply and outward manifestation of our inner faith.  I think we can apply the same reasoning to this is of works. 

Our works on God's behalf are just another example of and outward manifestation of our faith and commitment to God.