Depth Charge #4: Dead Works vs. Good Works

Depth Charge #4: Dead Works vs. Good Works

Hebrews 6 lists "repentance from dead works" as one of the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. But what are dead works?

Many assume dead works are simply sinful acts. Scripture reveals something deeper. Dead works can be religious works, moral works, and even seemingly good works when they are done from the wrong source—works performed to earn God's favor, prove our worth, or boast in our own righteousness.

In this Depth Charge, we examine the difference between dead works and good works through Hebrews 6, Ephesians 2:8-10, and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

We are not saved by works.

We are saved unto good works.

Good works are not the root of salvation; they are the fruit of salvation. The Christian life is not about striving to gain acceptance with God, but walking in the works He has already prepared for those who are in Christ.

Dead works come from self.

Good works are Christ in us.

Join us as we dive deeper into this foundational truth of the faith.

DeepEndable Ministries BibleBangers Podcast

Grab your Bible and let's get CRACKIN'!

Scripture references: Hebrews 6:1; Ephesians 2:8-10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Philippians 3:14

Transcript

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Welcome to Bible Bangers Death Charge from Deep Animal Ministries. These are short, focused dives into powerful truths from God's Word. This is Death Charge number four. Dead Works versus Good Works. Grab your Bible and let's get cracking. Hebrews chapter 6 tells us one of the foundational truths of the faith is repentance from dead works. Dead works are not necessarily bad things. Often they're religious things done from the wrong source. Works done to earn, works done to prove, works done to perform, works done to boast. Anything that seeks acceptance with God through human effort is ultimately a dead work. Ephesians 2, 8 through 10 makes the distinction clear. We are not saved by works. We are saved unto good works, which God has prepared beforehand for his glory. Good works are not the root of salvation, they are the fruit of salvation. 2 Timothy 3, 16 through 17 tells us that all scripture is given by inspiration of God and thoroughly furnishes the man of God unto all good works. So the path is not work hard enough, and maybe God will accept you. Path is this. Be saved by grace through faith. Be formed by the Word of God, then walk in the works that God has already prepared. Dead works come from self. Good works come from Christ in us. Good works are Christ in us. So repent from dead works and press on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Because the Christian life is not about what we can do for Him, it's about what He desires to do through us. This has been Adept Charge from Deep Animal Ministries. For full length Bible studies, find the Bible Maggie's podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Grab your Bible and let's get cracking.