We may say: Oh, in my religion we don't wear gold, we don't consume pork, we must not work at all on a particular day, we must convert others, we must pray till we sweat, we don't celeberate birthdays, we don't celebrate Easter, we must do pilgrimage etc... All of these are works linked to the dogmas of our religions and will surely make us shine before our religious leaders but not before our Maker!
Paul in his epistles referred to such works and was quoted to have said that the "righteousness" based on such works is like "filthy rags!"
This conclusion of Paul however does not apply to works arising from a heartfelt obedience to God's Primordial Laws! For example, the Law of Sowing and Reaping is a Law of the Almighty. Obedience to it is a necessity and will definitely liberate us! In the operation of this particular law, no one can stand in the place of another as each will have to bear the responsibility for what they think, say and do! There is no escape for anyone except total repentance! There is no other way!
We turn around, change from our evil ways first and then we obtain forgiveness. Works of repentance and works based on obedience to the laws of our Creator are works which are pleasing to God and cannot be compared to a superficial following of religious dogmas earlier mentioned. It is the dogma based works which are described as similar to filthy rags.
A clear distinction is hereby made between works that redeem and works that are lifeless and of no effect.
May we all be strengthened to work out our salvation by turning our back on sin forever and adhering in all honesty to the redeeming laws of the Lord of all! Amen.
