Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)
Sound character is a hallmark of true believers. All through the Gospels and the accounts and writings of the apostles, character is a finely woven theme that cannot be missed. Terms like “fruit of the Spirit”, “led by the Spirit”, “new creature”, and “new man” are all used to paint a picture of the character of the believer in Christ Jesus.
Also, we read of “good works” as fruits of the new life in Christ all through the writings of the apostles.
We must make no mistake about it – sound character is a trait and characteristic of the regenerated man and the renewed mind. Jesus stated clearly that men are known by their fruit.
2 Timothy 2:19 gives us the seal of the two-sided foundation of God that stand sure. The first is that the Lord knows those who are His (and sovereignly calls them to Himself through the preaching of the Word). The second is that those who are His (among those that name the name of Christ) will depart from iniquity.
It is the height of absurdity that certain people lay claim to belonging to the Lord but live like devils. It is absolute nonsense. If we are His, our lives will show forth fruit of righteousness and holiness. We will abound in every good work.
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (Titus 3:8)
Brothers and sisters, let your light shine!
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