are "children of light," and are
commanded to "let their light shine." How can Christians shine the light
of the gospel and of God? By their good works. Jesus says, "Let your light
so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your
Father which is in heaven." Mat. 5:16. God has ordained that in Christ we
should perform good works. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk
in them." Eph. 2:10. By the apostle Christians are exhorted to be careful
to maintain good works. "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." Titus 3:8. Then adds, "These
things are good and profitable unto men."

We have proven by the Word elsewhere that salvation from sin is not
attained by good works alone, but after we are saved by grace we retain
the grace by a strict and faithful performance of all Christian duties.
The first neglect to perform a known duty is the first step the Christian
takes on his return to the "beggarly elements of the world." We are
commanded to "search the scriptures." By looking into this perfect "law of
liberty," and conforming our lives to the glorious truth taught there, we
will be led into the beautiful walk of Christian virtue and duty. "All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man
of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." When a
house is "thoroughly furnished" we understand it is furnished in every
room up-stairs and down. The Scriptures are given us that by searching
them and receiving of their corrections, reprovings, and instructions we
may be furnished in every department of our capabilities with good works.
If man obeys the voice of the inspired Word of God he will be "a vessel
unto honor, sanctified and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto
every good work." Christians should be rich in good works. "That they do
good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to
communicate." 1 Tim. 6:18.

Saints should be fruitful in good works. "That ye might walk worthy of the
Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing
in the knowledge of God." Saved people in some texts of Scripture are
likened unto good trees. They are a t