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QUESTION 38
In John 5:29 we read of people being resurrected "that have done good unto life..." How then can you teach that good works does not save?

ANSWER:
The Bible says, "There is none that doeth good, no, not one" Romans 3:12. The Bible does not contradict itself. Sinful man cannot do good in the eyes of a Holy God. They that are in the flesh cannot please God, Romans 8:8. The people, in John 5:29, are those that have experienced John 5:24. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that hearth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life." They are now a new creation in Christ Jesus, 2 Corinthians 5:17 The fruit (not the root)of their salvation is now good works. Ephesians 2:8-10 states, that we are saved by grace through faith and it is not of ourselves, and not of works. In verse ten it says we are created unto good works. God is now working in us. He can now produce good works in and from us. Herein lies the answer to John 5:29.

The work we do is God working in us. Philippians 2:13 "For it is God that worketh in you..." So then, outside of Christ, man can do nothing good in the eyes of God, but in Christ He works a good work in those who are saved. Salvation is not of or by works, but salvation works. It is faith alone that saves, but faith is never alone. First you get the root (God's salvation) then comes the fruit.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen