The biblical chain of custody regarding the necessity of good works within the gospel of salvation.

Works do not save as the blood of Jesus is the only propitiation for the remission of sins. (Romans 3:24-26). Works are however required from those who are to be saved (Hebrews 5:9).

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Romans 3:24-26

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace Ephesians 1:7

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Children are commanded to obey their parents because obedience is pleasing to God. God provided this direction so as we can and should learn to obey Him at an early age. This command was so important that God attached a promise to it unlike any of the other commandments presented to Moses on the mount. Much emphasis has been placed upon this one commandment and it makes since in light of Hebrews 5:9 where it states, “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him”. Without obedience to God one cannot lay hold of or maintain salvation. It makes sense that we learn this at the earliest age possible.

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Colossians 3:20

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. Ephesians 6:1-3

Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Exodus 20:12

We are commanded to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. This does not say ‘work for’ as that is only possible through the blood of Jesus Christ as mentioned earlier in Romans 3:24-26. Working out one’s salvation is a matter of maintaining salvation through a pattern of good works in everything that we say and do.

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, [8] Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Titus 2:7-8

Faith without works is dead.

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:26

Dead faith cannot please God.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Good works bring glory to God which is the very reason for which we were created.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

For these reasons we are to provoke each other unto good works and not away from good works as several very popular modern doctrines do in opposition of the true gospel of salvation.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) [24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: [25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is ; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25

If your doctrine dilutes the importance of good works or flat out rejects them as essential then please consider reevaluating what you believe in light of scriptures and start provoking yourself and others unto good works that bring pleasure and glory to God and Him alone.

Don’t be a lazy Christian as there is no such thing in the economy of God.

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