Dr. Klemet Preus, speaker for this edition of Issues, Etc, Sunday, says: Our good works please God, but God doesn't need our good works. He has plenty. Our neighbor needs our good works.
This edition of the podcast, from Issues, Etc. Sunday, for Jul 23 07, can be found at http://www.kfuoam.org/podcast/IE_Sall.xml or http://www.issuesetc.org/ (or via iTunes) examines the relationship between salvation by faith and good works. Thought provoking! The program opened with a piece by Rick Warren who stresses good works.
This topic has always been of interest to me, a practicing Lutheran, raised as a Methodist. I am of the thought that Rick Warren also understands justification by faith, faith alone, but that he's talking about how we live out our faith.
My own thoughts are that works do not save me, but my faith is proven by the works I do. Actually, "my" good works have already been queued up for me and really don't qualify as "my" works:
Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)Dr. Preus' point that if we focus on good works, however, we run the risk of becoming self-righteous (as opposed to Christ righteous) when we see that "our" works are good.
Interesting that this session of Issues, Etc., took place in Maple Grove, MN - close to LDR's roots.
