Our contemporary culture is teaching us that if we want to be accepted, we have to follow society's rules. In other words, we have to do something in order to receive their benefits. This thinking has spilled over into our Churches. To be precise, if you want to be saved, you have to do a host of religious rituals that have been taken from the Bible, used out of context and implemented by man as a criterion for salvation. I am convinced that such religious rules are the core problem that most Christians deal with when it comes to God's righteousness. Yet, most main stream denominations are convinced that if you are not doing something to gain salvation, then you do not deserve it. This is nothing more than a question of works!However, listen to how Paul addresses the topic of works via salvation. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast" Ephesians 2:8-9. This verse is clear that we cannot be saved or righteous before God by our good works. Neither, are we able to keep the Mosaic commandments. "I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing" Galatians 2:21. Good works are not something Christians have to do; they are something we ought to want to do. Quite the opposite, when we know what God expects of us, it simply makes us more aware of where we have falling short. The Bible very clearly states that if we could become righteous by our own works, then Christ did not need to die: "If righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing: " Galatians 2:21b
About the Author: Dr. Bingham have been married to Dr. Bettye Bingham for 43 years. To that incredible union, they have three boys 8 grand children and three great grand children. He founded the Glad Tidings Christian Ministries and the Glad Tidings Bible College in 1984; upon the Scripture, Hosea 4:6: "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge." He have educated and prepared thousands of pastors and lay people for the work of the ministry. He has established many Christian Educational Institutes throughout the United States and overseas. He has written training manuals, Journals, and books that supports Christian Education. He is a publish author and a renowned gospel singer. Dr. Bingham has dedicated his life to Christian Education. Dr. Bingham completed his former Education in the St. Louis Public School system. He completed his Undergraduate and Graduate studies at the Living Word College Seminary earning his Ph. D., in Psychology. He is an Ordained Bishop, overseeing the Perpetual Tidings Christian Services, Glad Tidings Christian Ministries and the president of the Glad Tidings Bible College St. Louis, Missouri.