Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5628 work  »  5635 work, and redemption

Although human activity cannot merit eternal redemption, work done in this life may, with God's enabling, substantially reflect the divine ideal, in anticipation of the perfect service of heaven.

Human work cannot merit redemption

Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:4-5

Jesus Christ's finished work secures redemption

John 17:4 See also John 4:34; John 19:30; Hebrews 9:12

Faith leads believers to perform good works

James 2:14 See also Matthew 7:16-20; Matthew 12:33; Luke 3:8-9; Romans 2:13; Hebrews 6:10-12; James 2:17-26

Redeemed workers fulfil God's purpose in work

By applying biblical virtues in employment

Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 14:23; Galatians 6:9; Colossians 4:1

By the pursuit of excellence

Ecclesiastes 9:10; Titus 2:7-8; Titus 3:8; 1 Peter 2:12,15

By doing their work as those responsible to God

Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 7:24; Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 6:7; Colossians 3:23

Work done, as for the Lord, will be rewarded by the Lord

Colossians 3:23-24 See also 2 Chronicles 31:21; Matthew 25:21; 1 Corinthians 15:58

Work will continue in the life to come

Revelation 22:3 See also Matthew 25:21,23; Luke 19:17,19

See also

2321  Christ as redeemer
5840  eagerness
6669  grace & salvation
6720  redemption
7160  servants of the Lord
8275  honesty
8345  servanthood & worship
8442  good works
8459  perseverance
8774  legalism
9412  heaven, worship & service