GOOD WORK IS NOT ENOUGH

Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
Apr 9
3 min read

Today’s Reading:

Acts 10: 23b-33

“He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God! Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.” (Acts 10:31-32)

One of the messages preached by most religions is doing good works. Even those who are infidels also do good works. The law of life is that whatever you sow, you will reap. The Law of karma also supports this notion. So, life is run on laws, and each of those laws has effects, either positive or negative. But as much as good work is rewarding, in Christianity it is not enough. Good works are rewarded even by God, but doing only good cannot earn a man eternal life. All good works will be rewarded here but can never give you a place in God’s kingdom.

Cornelius was a Roman military officer. As a centurion, he commanded about one hundred men. He was attached to the Italian Regiment. Even more remarkable than his military prominence was his piety. He was a devout, God-fearing man who gave alms generously to impoverished Jewish people and prayed consistently. Ryrie suggests he was probably “a proselyte of the gate; that is, he believed in the God of Judaism and His government, but had not yet taken any of the steps to become a full-fledged proselyte”.

At least two things are worthy of note in the life of Cornelius, he was a praying man and a giver. He was thinking those two things were enough to earn him eternal life but God sent an angel to him to send for Peter. One, since the death and resurrection of Christ, angels have no right to preach Salvation. Two, human efforts coupled with divine arrangements are necessary to bring a man to Christ. With all Cornelius was doing, he was not saved. Without Salvation, all his good works will be rewarded here on earth without his soul being saved in heaven.

Buying land for the church, even building a church for worship, is wonderful and rewarding. Working tirelessly in the house of God is also praiseworthy, but all of these can be categorised as good works. Without a definite encounter with Jesus, accepting Him as Saviour and Lord and following in His steps daily, there is no place for you in God’s kingdom. For your good works to be rewarded here and hereafter, salvation is not negotiable.

JAMES ALADE

To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.