Saved By Works?
November 18, 2020
DAILY PROVERBS:
Proverbs 28:15-18 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days. A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him. Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:
In reading today’s verses, we can plainly see Solomon was warning his son of the dangers of a sinful lifestyle. This way of living brings not only harm to the individual who commits such sinful deeds, but also can bring down the sanctity of a nation.
In verse eighteen, there is a comment that many have miss-interpreted. It says, “Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved:” Some have taken that to mean if they do good and live right they are then saved from their sin and will go to heaven when they die. That would be a classic case of taking words out of context. The word “saved,” used here does not refer to the salvation of the soul. Rather, Solomon was telling his lad that if he abstains from the sins of this world, he would also be saved from many of the daily failures from sin and the sorrows that accompany them. Reading the text before and after a verse will always help you understand its true meaning. The last part of this verse says, “he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.” Does this mean that as soon as a man commits a sin he will be destroyed? No. However, if this statement is read in the context of others mentioned such as the wicked ruler over the poor, the insecure prince, and the violent murderer who, in the eyes of those he leads or trusts him has fallen, so then will a person who is perverse in his ways also fall.
Salvation has always been by putting faith in Jesus Christ, what He did on the cross, and the empty tomb. No amount of good works can ever change anyone’s eternal destiny.
THE WORD WALKING IN ME:
All that said, it’s never a bad idea to do what is right. It brings about the respect of others and is a great testimony to the fact that the Bible is a true book. Live for today but do so in a way that honors and glorifies God and His Word.
GOD TALKING TO ME: November 19, 2020
THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH DAILY PROVERBS
Acts 25 – 28 / Proverbs 28:15-18
THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
Ezekiel 21-23 / James 3
Living In His Word Ministries
“Getting people into the Word of God…
… and the Word of God into people.”
Dr. Franklin J. Senters Th.D.
Founder and Executive Director
Hebrews 2:12