How can we "keep My works" as mentioned in Revelation 2:26 today? Setting the Scene “ ‘And to the one who overcomes and keeps My works until the end, I will give authority over the nations.’ ” (Revelation 2:26) Jesus spoke these words to the church in Thyatira, yet they remain a present-day call for every believer who trusts the literal promises of Scripture. What Does “Keeps My Works” Mean? • “Keeps” (Greek: tērēō) carries the sense of guarding, cherishing, and obeying. • “My works” points to everything Jesus taught, modeled, and commanded. • The phrase therefore urges us to embrace His entire pattern of life, not merely a few selected deeds. Grace First, Works Flow • Ephesians 2:8-10—saved by grace, created for “good works, which God prepared in advance.” • John 15:5—only those abiding in Christ “bear much fruit.” Works do not earn salvation; they prove salvation’s reality. Living Out His Works Today 1. Personal holiness • 1 Peter 1:15-16—“Be holy in all you do.” • Guard your eyes, words, entertainment, relationships. 2. Unashamed obedience to His commands • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Regular Bible intake, immediate application, quick repentance. 3. Acts of love and mercy • Matthew 25:40—serve “the least of these” as serving Christ. • Practical help: meals, visits, financial aid, advocacy for the vulnerable. 4. Faithful witness • Matthew 28:19-20—make disciples, teach them everything He commanded. • Share the gospel verbally, model it visibly. 5. Perseverance under pressure • Hebrews 10:36—“You need to persevere.” • Stand for biblical truth on marriage, life, integrity, even when unpopular. 6. Work done with excellence • Colossians 3:23—work “with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” • View every vocation as kingdom service. 7. Local-church commitment • Hebrews 10:24-25—regular gathering spurs love and good deeds. • Use spiritual gifts for mutual edification (1 Peter 4:10-11). Key Attitudes That Guard His Works • Love—motive that keeps service from becoming cold duty (1 Corinthians 13). • Humility—remember whose works they are (Philippians 2:13). • Vigilance—watch against false teaching that dilutes obedience (Revelation 2:20). • Endurance—finish well, not merely start well (2 Timothy 4:7). Encouragement from Related Passages • James 2:17—faith without works is dead. • Titus 2:14—Christ “purified” us to be “eager to do good.” • Galatians 6:9—do not grow weary; harvest is coming. The Promise Attached to Obedience Authority over the nations is a literal share in Christ’s future reign (Revelation 20:4-6). Faithfulness now, though often hidden and costly, will be openly honored then. Keep His works today, and look forward with confidence to ruling with Him tomorrow. |
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