Genuine “Good Works” vs “The Precepts of ‘The Church’”

To help illustrate a sermon on the text of Ephesians 2:1-10 (in light of Romans 12:1-2), my pastor created this illustration to show how “good works” fit into the lives of believers.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Because we belong to Christ, we may know that we may live our lives and love those around us – children, spouse, parents, neighbors, co-workers, church members, society at large – knowing that “whatever your hand finds to do,” you may do it wholeheartedly, knowing that God has “prepared beforehand” the good works that you do, and you may have the joy that comes with walking in them.

Compare how totally at odds this concept is with the Roman Catholic concept that the only real “grace” you get comes from performing the works assigned by “the Church” – “the precepts of the church” [illustrated by “the sacramental treadmill”].

[To be sure, for the Roman Catholic, it’s ok to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, tend to the sick, etc., but these “corporal works of mercy” are held in lesser regard compared with the great rewards of attending the Mass, or the penalties for failing to do so.]