What makes a work "A WORK"?

[classicalkev]

I'm just gonna chunk this question out there.

What is it that makes a work "a work" in the sense of we're not saved "by works"?

There is mention of the works of the law by which we're not justified, as well as the work of faith. And Jesus as well stated "This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Though we are not saved by what we do, there are things yet expected of us for salvation. We must look (Is. 45:22); come (Matt. 11:27); buy (Isa. 55:1), etc. but these are not to be looked at as works; nevertheless, they do express motion on the part of the sinner Godwards for salvation.

So what is the factor which makes "a work" that very thing within the context of how we aren't saved? Is it merit?

Thanks brethren.

 

[moral necessity]

Such things as "looking", "coming", and "buying" might be descriptive of the instrument through which we are saved, the main instrument described being that of "faith". Yet, our salvation is entirely by grace (unmerited favor) and not of works, as you well know. What makes a work "a work" in my opinion, is that it is being used to replace grace as the sole cause of salvation. Anything that is used to replace or add to free grace and mercy towards sinners is that "work" that is being clung to for one's salvation.

Blessings!

 

[py3ak]

Faith is a work - but it is not its active character, but its receptive character that has a connection with salvation.

 

[wsmeathers]

“So what is the factor which makes "a work" that very thing within the context of how we aren't saved? Is it merit?”

I wonder whether a work is really a work if you think that it’s actually a work when you’re doing the work. That is, aren’t works just natural fruits of peoples’ salvation that often occur as unintended results of a renewed attention to Christ, from having hearts that are filled with a desire to obey Him?

So, “within the context of how we aren’t saved”, a person who is focusing their attention primarily on performing what many would recognize as good works may be a person who is not yet saved, ripened, or matured; and a similar person, across the street who is doing the exact same works, but who hasn’t given an iota of thought to doing them, may be a person who is, at the least, further along in their walk.

Thus, if a work is truly a work, then it’s definitely a merit; however, if we’re patting ourselves on the back for all of our good works, then those works are neither good nor meritorious.

**Disclaimer**
(The information provided above is not theological advice, but general information on heart issues personally encountered. The poster is not a Church and is not a substitute for a recognized theologian or an ordained minister.)

 

[J. Dean]

Faith is a work - but it is not its active character, but its receptive character that has a connection with salvation.

Yeah.... what he said.