The Only Thing That Will Last

Questions Answered in This Article

What does the Bible say about the significance of our works?

The Bible emphasizes that it's not our works, but what Christ has done for us that truly lasts.

In Scripture, we see repeated emphasis on the futility of human efforts apart from Christ. While good works are a response to salvation, they do not earn favor with God. Paul's letters highlight that salvation is by grace alone, ensuring that all glory goes to Christ. At the end of our lives, we will realize that our accomplishments are meaningless compared to Christ's finished work on the cross, making it clear that it is His deeds that endure forever.

Romans 3:27-28, Ephesians 2:8-9

What does the Bible say about what lasts in life?

The Bible teaches that only what Christ has done for us will truly last.

Scripture emphasizes the fleeting nature of our lives, as seen in Psalm 39:4-5, where David asks the Lord to help him number his days. This aligns with the notion that our actions, when viewed through the lens of eternity, cannot substantiate our worth before God. It is not our deeds, but Christ's redemptive work that endures beyond our earthly existence. This reorientation provides hope and reminds believers of their dependence on Christ’s righteousness instead of their own.

Psalm 39:4-5

Why is it important for Christians to focus on what Christ has done?

Focusing on Christ's work assures us of our salvation and provides true purpose in life.

Understanding the importance of Christ's work is foundational for a Christian’s faith. It leads us to recognize that our efforts are insufficient and that our ultimate hope rests not in ourselves but in Jesus’ sacrifice. This focus redirects our lives from striving for acceptance to living out of gratitude for God's grace. By embracing the sufficiency of Christ's work, believers can find peace, joy, and purpose, knowing that their eternal future is secure in Him and not in their imperfect deeds.

Hebrews 10:14, Colossians 3:1-4

How do we know that Christ's work is the only thing that lasts?

We know Christ's work is eternal through Scripture, which affirms His redemptive act as the foundation for our hope.

The assurance of Christ's lasting work is deeply rooted in the teachings of Scripture, particularly in John 6:27, where Jesus speaks of the food that endures to eternal life, which He, the Son of Man, provides. Moreover, Ephesians 2:8-9 articulates that salvation is through grace by faith, not by our works. This highlights the sufficiency of Christ's atonement and intercession on our behalf. Therefore, while our human efforts are temporal, Christ's work is eternal and grants us eternal significance.

John 6:27, Ephesians 2:8-9

How do we know that what Christ has done is what truly lasts?

Scripture reveals that Christ's redemptive work is eternal and unchanging, unlike our earthly efforts.

The permanence of Christ's work is grounded in His nature as God and His completed redemptive plan. Unlike human efforts, which are fleeting, His sacrifice on the cross is an act of love that secured salvation for His people eternally. Verses such as John 3:16 affirm the divine purpose behind Christ's coming into the world. The assurance of our eternal security lies in His resurrection, which serves as the ultimate proof that death is defeated and that believers have everlasting life. Thus, we can confidently conclude that what Christ has accomplished is indeed what will last.

John 3:16, 1 Peter 1:3-5

Why is Christ's work important for Christians?

Christ's work is crucial as it secures our salvation and promises eternal life.

For Christians, understanding the importance of Christ’s work cannot be overstated. His sacrifice fulfills the requirements of the law and offers redemption from sin, as emphasized in Romans 8:3-4, which illustrates how God sent His Son to condemn sin in the flesh. This act not only reconciles us with God but also grants us the hope of eternal life. Furthermore, it allows Christians to live with the assurance that their standing before God is based on Christ’s merits rather than their own efforts, thus fostering a life of faith and dependence upon Him.

Romans 8:3-4