Question: Dear Greg,

Could you explain 1 Timothy 6:17-19, especially verse 19? Does this passage not suggest that doing good works, i.e. living a Christian life, is important in terms of whether one is given eternal life? How does this verse compare with the notion that our salvation was all settled at the cross and there is nothing we must do for salvation but say “yes” to Christ. This verse clearly suggests that what we do (works) are relevant in the salvation process.

David

Answer: Dear David,

The “notion” (to use your term) that we are saved by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves, is in fact the consistent message of all of the writers of the New Testament. If, as you suggest, this one verse knocks all of those passages and books (like Romans, Galatians, Hebrews, etc.) in the head, then we have a peculiar method of Bible study with which we are presented. Ignore the obvious “notions” of the Bible and look for the exception, or at least something that can be interpreted as an exception. “Laying up treasure” as used by Paul in this verse reminds us of the words of our Lord and does not negate that our works are meaningless in terms of salvation. Laying up treasure does not guarantee or earn entrance; it does not obligate God to do something for us as a result of our virtue. This verse is saying that good works are good but it is not saying that they are salvific. Further, many other passages in the New Testament clarify that human beings don’t produce good works on their own but it is God who works in us to do them. Further reason for us to bow the knee to our Savior who alone did for us what we can never do for ourselves.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht