Often times I feel as if I have to please God by the work that I do in his name; as if the things I do will gain a greater love from the Father, prove that I’m a Christian or maybe even make me feel somewhat justified in the salvation that he has offered for free. It is difficult for us humans to understand that we don’t have to physically do anything to be in right standing with God. Take a look at John chapter 6 verse 27-29. It says:
"Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval. Then they asked him, 'What must we do to do the works God requires?' Jesus answered, 'The work of God is this; to believe in the one he has sent.'”
Often times we forget that our works or our righteousness is as filthy rags in God’s sight. Yes, I believe that there is a place for works, but it has nothing to do with our salvation nor is it a factor in whether God loves us or not. Jesus tells us that the work of God is this; to believe in the one he has sent. So, it really comes down to belief in Jesus. And what does that look like? I think the old hymn “Trust and obey” puts it best. I truly believe that to trust and obey, directly reflects our belief in Jesus. Having the faith to trust him to lead our lives, to answer our prayers, to know what is best for us, and to accept the gift of eternal life that he has promised those who believe. And to obey his word and his way is what it means to believe in Jesus.
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The question his followers asked was, “what must we do to do the works God requires?” and Jesus answered, “The work of God is this; to believe in the one he has sent.” So, I challenge you not to make salvation too difficult. Do not put extra burdens and requirements on yourself. To be considered a believer in Christ is just that – to believe in the one he has sent; which is Jesus. To trust and obey him. Now, to follow Jesus is to be like him. By reading his word we learn how to be like him. We see how he responds in certain situations and we find out what matters to him. But the work that God requires for salvation is to believe in the one he has sent.