WORKS

 When the scriptures speak about works what does that mean  ?   Works are actions, deeds or activities performed by a person, but not by GOD.   Works are mentioned in both old and new covenants.  Under the old covenant,  which scripture confirms is the ten commandments and the book of the law of Moses . Deuteronomy 9:11,15  all the blessings under this old covenant were physical not spiritual.  Deuteronomy 28:1-14

Under the old covenant ten commandments Israel was commanded to do the works of the law.   Since salvation is not of works there are no works to perform in the new covenant that were in the old covenant.  In the new covenant our works are done in us by GOD, Isaiah 26:12KJV , we are HIS workmanship, and HE has prepared these works,  Ephesians 2:10  to fulfill what the ten commandments could not do. Romans 8:3  GOD works in us with HIS love to change our nature to be like HIS and Christs nature. 2 Peter 1:4  GOD gives us the will and ability to live by the two greatest of all commandments that HE revealed through Jesus. Matthew 22:37,30,39,40  Philippians 2:13 We then become partakers of the divine nature and do by nature GODS will and not by being commanded to do so by ten commandments. What was formerly done by command is now done because it is our will.  

Sinful human nature must be changed to overcome sin. We must live as Jesus lived. Jesus was totally dependent on his FATHER for everything and not on the old covenant because Jesus is the new covenant, Isaiah 42:6 and if we are in Christ we will be transformed to be wholly dependent on GOD just as Jesus was. John 5:19,30  John 8:28  John 14:10  Of himself Jesus could do nothing and neither can we, we rely totally on GOD for everything.   GODS love cannot sin and this love in us by HIS spirit enables us to overcome sin. Romans 5:5  Love is the fulfillment of the ten commandments.  Romans 13:10  The two greatest commandments given by Jesus have taken their place.  The ten commandments are waxing old and obsolete.  Hebrews 8:13

 The old covenant also had a curse. Deuteronomy 28:15-68   To enter the old covenant you had to be circumcised and swear an oath to keep all 613 of GODS laws.  Deuteronomy 29:12  According to Jesus the old covenant was not abolished and every word remains till all things are fulfilled.  Matthew 5:17,18  Therefore all of the old covenant laws are still in effect, ALL OF THEM, but not on the church.  Christians are told by Jesus to not make oaths so this would exclude them from even keeping the ten commandments as presented in the old covenant. Matthew 5:33,34,35,36,37  Physical circumcision is know to be useless.  The ten commandments were the ministry of death, 2 Corinthians 3:7 but the new covenant is the ministry of the holy spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:8  Under the provisions of the old covenant all Israel, by their own efforts, and with no help from GOD had to keep all 613 commandments of the law.  All people today that place themselves under the ten commandments have placed themselves under all 613 commandments of the old covenant and are responsible to obey all the provisions  that the covenant demanded. The old covenant was not to be altered in any way so the benefits of the new covenant cannot be added to the old covenant.  People under the old covenant ten commandments are not in the new covenant.   GOD makes the rules and not men.  It is abundantly clear that there are two covenants but only one saves. 

 Better choose the right one.  Ephesians 3:20,21  Keeping the ten commandments is your work in the old covenant and breaking even one brings death and this is why Paul called the ten commandments the ministry of death. 2 Corinthians 3:7   God told us this in Zechariah 4:6  Not our power , not our might, but by GODS holy spirit are the works of GOD that HE does through us just as they were done through Jesus Christ.  Jesus told us these things, Paul told us these things and the prophets told us these things, why do so many not believe these things ?  The answer,  John 8:47