THE CHILD OF GOD IS TO BE BOTH SALT AND LIGHT IN THIS WORLD!
Matthew 5:13 - You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost its savour,* wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
[Note: * moraino - lost its flavor; its saltiness; its purpose; its usefulness. Salt serves two purposes: salt slows decay, it is used to prevent meat from spoiling; and, it provides flavor to that which is to be eaten; according to the Law of Moses, all meat offerings were to be seasoned with salt (Lev. 2:13). Salt is described as preventing splits among the brethren (Mk. 9:50), and as making one gracious in relation to unbelievers (Col. 4:6).]
Matthew 5:14-15 - You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house.
[Note: Light serves two main purposes in this world: it provides for safe passage through the dangers hidden in the darkness, much like a lighthouse warns ships (Lk. 1:79; 2 Cor. 4:6; etc.) and it reveals the sinful acts of men who love the supposed security of the cloak of darkness (Jn. 3:19; Rom. 13:12; etc.). ]
Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.
[Note: Jesus is telling them that, God being their Father, they are to use good works to bring Him glory, and not themselves. Fasting, alms-giving, tithing, praying, etc., when seen by others, bring honor and respect to the one "being religious." Godly works always bring Him all the glory!]
GOOD WORKS DO NOT EARN ONE'S SALVATION!
Romans 11:6 - And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.
2 Timothy 1:9 - (God) Who has saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began....
Titus 3:5 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us....
GOOD WORKS FOLLOW THOSE WHOSE FATHER IS GOD!
Isaiah 26:12 - LORD, You will ordain peace for us: for You also have wrought all our works in us.
Ephesians 2:10 - For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.
Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this very thing, that He Who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ....
Philippians 2:13 - For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
Hebrews 13:20-21 - Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
THE ONE "WORK" THAT SAVES: BELIEVE IN JESUS!
John 6:28-29 - Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that you BELIEVE in Him Whom He has sent.
John 3:16-18 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believes in Him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the Only Begotten Son of God.
BELIEVE!
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