“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works …”
(Heb 6:1, NKJV)
We are currently discussing Heb 9:14, a passage which suggests that the blood of Jesus cleanses the conscience from dead works. Before we continue it is necessary to define what Scripture defines as the human conscience.
In one of the previous teachings we examined the nature of “dead works” before conversion, but what guise do they take on after conversion?
Confusion often arises concerning the importance of works. Rev 3:1 assures us that God is not oblivious to our actions – “I know your works”. But in the light of Heb 6:1, quoted above, one should consider what God sees as dead works from which we need to extricate ourselves from, walking away and following a different path. The Message-translation aptly phrases it in contemporary terms – “turning your back on ‘salvation by self-help’”.
It is man’s natural religious inclination to involve himself in works which he feels justifies his spiritual life. In 1 Cor 3:11-12 Paul explains that there are certain intentional good works that will be tested with fire. He compares it to hay or wood, which will burn out when tested. In Gal 2:16 illuminates the core of the problem – “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”
Works born from adhering to the law are considered good works that are dead.
This leaves the believer with a slight crisis – what are the works that God expects of us (Jam 3:13; Rev 3:1), but which do not originate in religiosity, the law, the expectations of others, the expectations of the church or of society? It may also not fall within the parameters of what you consider to be good works.
In the book of John Jesus’ perspective on this matter is mapped out. In 8:28 He clearly states – “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.” In 9:4 this is defined further – “I must work the works of Him who sent Me”. Earlier in this particular Gospel, in 5:19, He speaks about the key to good works – “Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” In this light 14:10 is also elucidated – “the Father who dwells in Me does the works.”
Thus – the works that need to be done have already been decided. In John 4:34 Jesus makes this clear – “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.”
- Sela: Will these words from John 17:4 appear on your gravestone?
- Read: Lev 22; Zech 4; Isa 62
- Memorise: Zech 4:6-7
