Bible Study

Title: After Salvation, Now What...?
Date: Mar 16, 2011
Topic(s): Service/Servanthood, Salvation
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10, Colossians 3:1-17, Romans 12:9-21, Colossians 3:23-24, James 2:14-24, Ephesians 4:22-5:6

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So, you're saved, now what? What are you supposed to do after salvation? Sit back and take it easy while you wait for heaven? Or is there something more?

There's a lot more for you to do. Salvation is just the beginning of your life as a child of God.

What Does God Say?

In Ephesians 2:8-9, we learn about the gift of our salvation: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (ESV). But you need to read Ephesians 2:10 as well: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (ESV).

Salvation is a gift; you can't work for it or earn it. But once you're saved, it's time to get to work. Through Christ, we are a new creation and we have a purpose: to do the "good works" God prepared for us. Salvation leads to service.

And acceptable service, doing these good works and walking in righteousness before God, brings an eternal reward. In Colossians 3:23-24, we're urged, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ" (ESV).

My Thoughts

James 2:14-24 has a lot to say about how and why we do good works.

• What are some of the good works God created us to do?
• How do your works show your faith in God?

So, what are these good works? You'll find them scattered throughout God's instructions to His believing children. For a sampling, read the following passages and jot down the good works that God wants to see in your life.

Romans 12:9-21
Ephesians 4:22-5:6
Colossians 3:1-17

This is not an exhaustive list. Do your own search with a concordance on such words as "obedience," "faith," and "good works" and see what you learn about serving the Lord.

My Part

What are some good works you need to do? Make a list from the passages you've read and look over your life with those in mind. What opportunities do you have to serve Him? To live a holier life? To make right choices?

Ask the Lord to help you do the things He's set before you, to be alert to ways you can grow in your good works. Then get started. Take the next step and get serving.

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