Dead Works

The consideration of repentance and dead-works are two topics that the modern christian often overlooks. In the dispensation of spiritual gimmicks and spirituality we often overlook the vital aspects of our walk with Christ Jesus. I once heard a great man of God say to a congregation that if Jesus were to appear in His Church one sunday He would not be recognised. The modern church might not be able to recognise Him. let us look at the issue of repentance and dead works.

Three Key Scriptures:

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV) 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV) Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Hebrews 9:13-14 (NKJV) For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

The problem with the modern Christian is that we have compromised on so many levels that the works of the flesh are now normal to us. we have forgotten about our eternity and indulge in the little pleasures of life because now our conscience is seared.

There is a need for us to go back to repentance and turn to the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Repentance

Repentance leads us to God (Acts 20:21). It puts us in a place of willingness to hear and obey God. Worldly sorrow or regret will not lead us back to God, only Godly sorrow constitutes true repentance.
At new birth, God gives us a new heart and we must constantly renew our minds so that our actions will conform to our changed hearts. This allows us to serve God truthfully. (Heb 9:14).

Repentance should not be viewed as a ‘once only’ act, but an attitude of the heart necessary for our continued relationship with God.

• Repentance is an ongoing and continual attitude and not a single act. 1 John 1:9

• True repentance is turning away from what you are and not merely turning away from what you have done. No one can come to genuine repentance who has not repented both of what they have done and what they are.

• True repentance requires turning to the living God by faith in Jesus Christ and seeking after the righteousness of God. Matt 6:33; Acts 26:20; Eph 2:10

Repentance from Acts that leads to death

Dead works are major hindrances for the Christian walk. They include all acts and activities such as the works of the flesh. Those who indulge in the works of the flesh such as Adultery, fornication, immorality, strife, jealousy, outburst of anger etc will certainly not inherit the kingdom of God. These works are sinful and it would be difficult for a believer to practice any of them without being convicted in his conscience.

According to Galatians 5:19-21, Those who elect to do these things exclude themselves from the inheritance in Christ.

Other types of Dead works?

There are other types of dead works which are more deceitful. These works look externally good works, but spring from corrupt sources and are therefore like a filthy garment/ Rom 7:18; Isa 64:6

They are scarcely crimes and flagrant breaches of the law but can be formal, false, legal observances and self- invented works with which men justify their stand before God. Matthew 7:21-23

1. Works done without joy. The kingdom of God consist of righteousness accompanied by the joy of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17) . Only those who delight to do His will can bring joy to the heart of God.

2. Works done without faith. As faith without works is dead (James 2:26), even so works without faith are dead works. Anything a man does without a full persuasion of its lawfulness, it is sin to him. (Romans 14:23; James 2:26).

3. Works done without love. If we obey the commandments of God without love, our works become fruitless. Without love our service is worthless. Rev 2:2,4; Matt 22:36-40

4. Works done for personal gain and honour (Rev3:1; John 5:44; John 12:43). Whenever we glory in our accomplishments for God, we have begun to worship the works of our hands. Acts 7:41

5. Works done for the sake of obtaining selfish rewards.

6. Works done without zeal. “I know your works, you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot… be zealous
therefore” (Rev.3:15-19). Half-hearted works are dead works. We are to love the lord our God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind and all our strength. (Mk. 12:30). Our worship and praise must be wholehearted, not lifeless and dead. Our praying must be with burden and we are to be “aglow with the Spirit” at all times (Rom. 12:11)

Why do we need to Repent from dead works

1. Repentance is a universal necessity. Luke 24:46-47

2. The conditional nature of God’s mercies necessitates Repentance. Forgiveness is linked to Repentance.

3. Our sinful nature drives our desires, will, emotions and actions and makes it is impossible to please God.
Repentance is required for our daily sanctification 1 John 2:16-17, R0m 8:8.

4. We need to repent from actions in the flesh as we continue to walk in Christ. (Gal 5:19; 1 Cor 3:3).

5. We need the foundation of repentance from dead works to enable us press on to maturity.

6. Fruit bearing requires repentance. Matthew 3:8; Acts 26:20.

7. An attitude of repentance drives perfection in us. Matthew 5:48 Luke 18:9-14;

I believe you have had a lot to think about. The amazing thing about the Grace of God is that it gives us room to turn from the wrong way to the right way prescribed by God. if you have need to repent of dead-works please say this prayer with me.

Dear Lord, I realise I have gone my own way for a while. I repent today of all works of the flesh. Please forgive me and cleanse my conscience of all dead works by the Blood of Jesus today. Cleanse me and renew a right spirit within me in Jesus Mighty Name.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! May the Lord Help you to remain steadfast to put to death the work of the flesh.

Shalom peace and life to you.

Ps Ron Chiarelli