Guy Duininck: Should Believers Cease from Work?
Hebrew 9:10 says,
"For he that is entered into his [God's] rest, he also hath ceased from his own works..."
Notice that the writer of Hebrews stated that when believers enter into God's rest, they cease from their own works. He did not say, however, that when believers enter into God's rest, they cease from works. In fact, believers are saved unto Good Works. In Ephesians, Paul said,
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto Good Works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
Paul also spoke of the role of Scripture in bringing believers to maturity and preparation for good works. He wrote,
"That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto All Good Works." 2 Timothy 3:17
To Titus, Paul wrote,
"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of Good Works." Titus 2:14
The writer of Hebrews actually exhorted believers to exhort one another about good works. He wrote,
"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to Good Works..." Hebrews 10:24
It is important that we look to all of Scripture, especially the New Testament, to find true and sound doctrine. When Scripture teaches something, we must pay attention to it; not ignore it simply because it doesn't fit our Preferred Narrative. We must conform in belief and in our living to Scripture, not shape Scripture to fit and support our beliefs and living.
