day no. 15,897: good works... except when it doesn't

"We are not saved by our labors, but it is most certainly the case that our labors, along with us, are also saved (1 Cor. 15:58)." -- Douglas Wilson, Nancy Rust, RIP

Our labors cannot save us. They, like us, are damnable. They are filthy rags and refuse. They are unable to make pure because they are, themselves, defiled. But they, like us, can be redeemed. They can be saved and sanctified by the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ on our behalf. And if we are saved, our works must be as well. God doesn't save us in part. He doesn't leave anything left unsaved of that which is saved. If you are to be saved, all of you is to be saved: mind, body, soul, word, thought, and deed.

"The grace of God which saves Christians and the good works that Christians do are two things that exist in a necessary relationship. But it is crucial that we get that relationship right because it is the relationship of cart and horse. We must know which is the cause and which is the effect." -- Douglas Wilson, Nancy Rust, RIP

Our good works must follow our salvation by necessity and in that order. They must follow. They cannot lead. They must follow. They cannot be absent. They must be there, right behind, exactly where they belong. If there are not good works behind you, it calls into question what's ahead of you.

All that to say, we are saved from good works and saved unto good works. Our belief in our good works is something we need to be saved from. So, we don't need to be saved out of doing good works, but from trusting in them. And once we've been saved from them, we are safe to do as many of them as possible for the glory of our God and the good of our neighbor.