"Works” Are Not Rituals of Moses’ Law

The Bible repeatedly states that Christians will be rewarded later according to their works now. We will see that this is an absolutely clear—plain—teaching of scripture. But, what kind of works is this referring to? The Bible actually refers to works with two different intended meanings. This booklet will focus on one of them.

Paul’s epistles to the Romans and the Galatians make reference to “the works of the law.” The Greek word for this, ergon, refers to the tedious physical ceremonies, rituals, and sacrifices that ancient Israel was required to perform under certain circumstances. The book of Leviticus and other places discuss them in detail. They were often required to be performed in conjunction with obedience to the Ten Commandments.

But, this is not the meaning that we will focus upon. Ergon can also refer to “physical work, action, labor or acts of spiritual righteousness.” Invariably, when this meaning is intended, the word “works” stands alone, omitting the phrase “of the law” (God’s law, the Ten Commandments). The often-used Greek word praxis, often translated “works,” also has a nearly identical meaning.

You cannot live your life without doing many things each day. All the things that you do are either good or bad. They are your “works.” They define you for what you are. Solomon wrote, “Even a child is known by his doings” (Prov. 20:11). If this is true of children, how much more so of adults?

While salvation is a gift, your reward in God’s kingdom will be determined solely by your “works” now, in this life. Understand this!

Before examining the scriptures that prove this, you must first understand a little of what salvation will primarily entail.