We don’t work in order to gain salvation.
Salvation is a gift. But when Christ saves us, out of love and gratitude for all he has done for us, we desire to please him. Works don’t produce salvation, but are a fruit of salvation. God has created good works for all of us to walk in once he has saved us.
If God performs all things for you, see how obliged you are to perform all duties and services for God….Shall God do all things for you, and will you do nothing for God? Is Providence every moment at work for you, and will you be idle? To what purpose then is all that God has done for you? Is it not the aim and design of all, to make you a fruitful people? ….O that in return for all the benefits of Providence, you would say to God, as ….David, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me?” (Psalm 116. 12). He is ever doing you good; be you always abounding in his work. …O be active for that God who every moment is active for you. — John Flavel, The Mystery of Providence
Lord Jesus, give us grace to be always abounding in your work, in whatever place in life you have us right now. We love you, and desire to give you some small return, not as a burdensome duty, but in joy and love for you who never ceases to do good to us.
