Faith and Works

The cry against works based religion has been so loud and often, it is instinctual to condemn those that teach us to 'work' for anything in Christianity. By looking at Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:3-5 it is easy to come to the conclusion that our own works have nothing to do with our salvation and that it is all God! However, that is not the end of the story as we know 'works' are not wrong if done in faith. It appears much of Christendom has taken 'liberty' to remove the required works that should occur in the true believer of Jesus Christ.
This thinking stems from my reading of Titus. From the start of this small epistle, Paul briskly rebukes those that "profess to know God but in works deny him." Paul goes on to explain the Christian life should: 1) extol a pattern of good works (2:7), 2) encourage people zealous of good works (2:14), and 3) exercise a life style that maintains good works (3:8).
In fact, the very passage we quote to say works are not necessary later is followed by insisting the believer is 'created in Christ Jesus unto good works" (Ephesians 2:10). How are we to actually 'work' as Christians? Lets simply take a look at one section of this small book...

Pattern of good works:
a. in doctrine
i. showing uncorruptness
ii. showing gravity
iii. showing sincerity

b. in sound speech
i. that cannot be condemned
ii. that others may be ashamed

c. in labouring
i. showing forth loyalty
ii. not speaking foolishly
iii. not stealing
iv. showing good fidelity

This is not even a complete list of the small section 'pattern of good works'. For a people that are saved by grace it appears we so often do not show forth the grace that has saved us. It is more likely most 'Christians' line up with professing to know God but don't really know the God of the Bible. Let us not use the grace of God for an occasion to the flesh but may we truly seek the God of the Bible and live a life that proves the grace of God is in us!