What does EGW write about...
Ellen Gould White über: "The significance of good works in the investigative judgment"
Answer
In the investigative judgment, people are indeed justified by their faith, but judged according to their works, because only deeds done out of love demonstrate a living faith. It is not enough to profess faith; rather, it is examined whether talents, time, and resources have been used for the glory of God and the welfare of fellow humans. A lack of good works or the neglect of spiritual duties in favor of selfish interests leads to being found “too easy” in the judgment.
Faith and Works in the Divine Judgment
All are justified by their faith and judged by their works. How vivid then appeared their neglect, and how wise the decree of God to give each person a work, to promote the work and to save his fellow humans. Everyone should demonstrate a living faith in his family and neighborhood by being kind to the poor, sympathizing with the suffering, participating in missionary work, and supporting God's work with his resources.
True Faith Springs from Love
In the judgment, the use of every talent will be examined closely. How have we employed the capital borrowed from heaven? ... A mere profession of faith in Christ is given no value; only the love that is manifested through works is counted as genuine. Yet it is only love that, in the eyes of heaven, gives value to every deed. Whatever is done out of love, no matter how small it may appear in human estimation, is accepted and rewarded by God.
Responsibility for Omitted Acts
You will be judged according to the deeds you have performed in the body. Not only will you be held accountable for the wrongdoing you have done, but also for the good you ought to have done and did not.
The Test of Character
When the cases of all are brought before God for review, the question will not be: “What have they professed?” but: “What have they done?” Were they perpetrators of the word? Have they lived for themselves, or have they practiced works of goodwill, acts of kindness and love...? If the report shows that this was their life... they will receive the blessed assurance and the blessing of Christ: “Well done.”
- Justice through Faith and Examination of Works
- Responsibility for Talents in the Investigative Judgment
- Living Faith and Christian Goodwill
Original Sources (English)
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