This morning, one might wonder, "What is the result of my works here on earth?" Many men have taken great pains to ensure that their legacy continues the way that they want it to. However, some have taken great pains to make sure their works get themselves to glory. One man told me, "Each good work that we do brings us one step closer to glory, and each wicked step brings us one step closer to hell." He must have gotten that out of the Bible, because he certainly did not get it in the Bible. This verse proves that our works do not pave our way into heaven. 

John plainly wrote (in the Spirit) that our works FOLLOW us. Now, for our works to get us into heaven (faith, confession, belief, baptism, etc), they would have to go BEFORE us. However, we only read of One who went into glory before us. He gives us our hope and consolation according to Paul at the close of Hebrews 6. But, our works follow us. Jesus Christ is the only One that is before us. What exactly does it mean that our works follow us?   

We can draw several things from this, but perhaps the most obvious is that our works follow the nature that we heed at the time. Paul plainly wrote of the two natures that the regenerate child of God has simultaneously. One comes from the corruptness of the flesh, and the other from the incorruptibleness of the Spirit. When we walk astray, we give in to the notions of the flesh. When we do righteousness, we follow the leading of the Spirit.  

Another thing drawn from this statement is something the world does not like to hear. When we transgress and err from the teachings of the Lord, there are CONSEQUENCES for these actions. The world today wants to say that everything is ok and "hunky-dory" (whatever that means). Everything is not ok. The LORD told us plainly to refrain from some things because of the dire consequences. Our works follow us from time to time in consequence. David saw the folly of his adultery and murder by those works following him to the point of losing 4 sons and being in fear for his life and the kingdom. Even though the Lord put away his sin before all this, the Lord still told him that his works would follow him.   

But, the flip side to this is that good works follow us as well. James said that our works justify us as they did Abraham. This justification (or declaration of righteousness) is solely in the courtroom of men, but our good works shew forth that we are children of God (for His ultimate glory). But, our good works do not just follow us.  They can also follow our children as well. Perhaps the most precious thing that a natural father can give his children is the blessing of a good name. When your father had a good reputation, you can reap the benefits without ever having done anything. Truly, when one asks me, "If God did it all, what is the purpose of living righteously?" Indeed, our works do follow us, and I would rather say that they brought glory to my heavenly Father and blessing to my earthly family than shame or reproach.

In Hope,

Bro Philip