WORKS BASED SALVATION

Ed Moore, a pastor, wrote, “Ten Flavors of Works Based Salvation,”

“By nature and by training we all seek solutions to our problem of sin. To varying degrees, these solutions include doing something—law keeping, good works, etc.—to please or appease or satisfy the God who is one day going to judge us. The idea of contributing to one’s own salvation is universal. It’s the engine that propels every religion.
But you may say, “I’m not that religious.” Well, even people who are “not religious” feel this way—and their feelings are based on some version of being good.

Now there are many flavors of works-based salvation. Let me mention ten of them:
1. The Work of Philanthropy
“I’m going to give money. I’m going to contribute. I’m going to give to the poor.
2. The Work of Service
“I’m going to volunteer. I’m going to pitch in. I’m going to give my time. I’m going to use my skill and expertise. I’m going to get my hands dirty for Jesus, or for whatever deity I think is in charge.
3. The Work of Ritual
Confession. Confirmation. Communion. Baptism. Prayers. Beads. Candles. Church attendance.
4. The Work of Comparison
“Alright, I’m not the best guy in the world but I can point you to a million people who are far worse than me. If we’re looking at a bell curve, I’m on the plus side. By comparison, I’m in.”
5. The Work of Comprehension
“This whole thing is a riddle. And I’m going to figure it out and when I figure it out then I’m going to be in God’s good graces
6. The Work of Decision
Walk that aisle, sign that card, pray that prayer. Well-meaning Christian pastors will tell you that if you simply make your decision to ask Jesus into your heart as your personal Savior then you are saved and you can doubt no more.
7. The Work of Restitution
“I’ve done a lot of bad things in my life so I need to go back and take care of it.”
8. The Work of Affliction
This looks like beating yourself up, or penance. “If I give myself hell here and now, then God won’t give me hell later.
9. The Work of Meditation
“I can just go on a retreat and be quiet and still before God. He connects with me when I clear my mind. When I’m poised and quiet, God comes and meets me where I am. “
10. The Work of Seeking Affirmation
“I don’t know whether or not I’m saved but if I can get the elders to say that I am, or if I can get anybody else who is saved to tell me that I am, then I will find rest before God.”

You have absolutely nothing that God wants.
So come to Christ, but come to him with nothing.”

“And this is eternal life that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” Jesus