Ask a Pastor Column

Q:  If all I have to do to be saved is believe what incentive is there for me to do good works?

A: You are correct that a person’s salvation and eternal destiny are determined solely by our acceptance of the gospel of Jesus Christ; “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved,” (Acts 16:31). God does not hold our salvation over our heads, threatening to send us to hell if we don’t fill a daily quota of good works (Romans 4:5; 5:1, 6, 8-9, etc.).

Does this mean that God does not care how we live? Is there no good reason to do good works? Absolutely not (Romans 6:15-23)! But the motive for good works must flow from a proper understanding of morality, not from fear of eternal destruction.

It is a self-evident truth that all life must be properly cultivated in order to flourish and be productive. What is true of plants and animals is true of people as well, only people possess spiritual, relational and moral natures along with our physical bodies. Just as our physical lives are nourished by proper health choices, our spirit and relationships are nourished by proper moral choices, which can cause our lives to flourish. When we make wrong choices, we can destroy ourselves, our loved ones and our potential to accomplish anything lasting or worthwhile in this world.

Let me share the story of Lot and Abraham as an example of the difference moral and faith-based choices make in a believer’s life. While Abraham trusted God for his needs and chose generosity, his nephew Lot was selfish and grabbed the best for himself (Genesis 13:1-13). Lot trusted in the strength of man for safety, got captured, robbed, and nearly spent the rest of his life in bondage (Genesis 14:1-12). Abraham trusted God to preserve him from harm and accomplished bold and amazing feats through faith (Genesis 14:13-16). Lot chose to live among wicked men (Genesis 19:1-8; II Peter 2:7-8), compromised horribly (Genesis 19:7-9) and ended up broke, broken and homeless (read Genesis 19:30-38 if you dare). Abraham died in the bosom of his family at a ripe old age (Genesis 25:7-11), leaving a legacy of faith that has blessed and inspired countless believers for thousands of years (Hebrews 11:8-10). His family would produce such heroes as Joshua, King David and the Lord Jesus Himself, all of whom were descended from Abraham and his son of faith, Isaac. While Lot kept his life and his salvation, he squandered God’s blessings and accomplished nothing (I Corinthians 3:14-15). Worse than that, his family was corrupted by the company that Lot chose to associate with. His legacy became tied to pagan nations (Genesis 19:36-38) and the power of God’s promises went no farther. Lot died with no legacy, no accomplishments and no future for his family. All things considered, wouldn’t we rather be like Abraham?

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