WORTH AND WORTHINESS

DECEMBER 20, 2011
My friend David Smith articulated something I was thinking about recently. The (worth) "value of a thing" is determined by "what the buyer is willing to pay." Since God has purchased us with His own blood (Ac. 20:28), we are made to be of infinite value. On the other hand, we choose to prove our worthiness (after salvation) by self denial and faithful obedience. (see passages below).

Ephesians 4:1-3
(1) I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
(2) With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
(3) Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Colossians 1:10
(10) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
1 Thessalonians 2:12
(12) That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
Revelation 3:4
(4) Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

Someone responded to these thoughts with a comment concerning, "salvation by works," to which I answered.
IT IS INTERESTING...
My post says NOTHING about being saved by works. I was not even thinking about "works salvation" (in which I do NOT believe). I was thinking about salvation that works (which is the only kind of salvation).

The passages in my comment (which are quotes from God Himself), address part of the human side of salvation (which Calvinists claim do not exist).

IT IS ALSO INTERESTING...
Those who believe in sinning religion (Calvinism) CLAIM to hold GRACE in high regard, yet the grace of God they proclaim does not separate a person from committing sins, much less enable them to be good and do good (which is the minimum of salvation). Those of us who believe that God's grace is able to deliver from all sin recognize that it is grace that enables and empowers us to be holy (as He is holy) and to do righteousness (thus being righteous, even as God is righteous). Yet, when we give God the glory for His great grace, we are nailed with "saved by works."

Sinning religion has become so widespread that people from all theological backgrounds (notice I did not say, "all people") associate the human ability to do good (by the grace of God) with "works salvation."

It is God Who gives us our worth. It is we ourselves who choose to either live worthily (by God's grace) or unworthily (by our presumption).

Launch Out and Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould