Ways And Works. What Is The Difference?

Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). What did Jesus mean by being the Way?  A way is a path or route to a destination. So when Jesus said He is the Way, it was as if He is the password to enter His Kingdom. There is no other way to enter His Kingdom than through Him. In the Old Testament, God established some ways man must follow to be like Him. His ways are higher than our ways. We might want to do things our way, but His way is higher. God gave the Ten Commandments as ways to walk in His ways. Now, He has provided a new way. The old ways were based on laws: do this or don’t do that. The new way is through a Person.

God opened a new way based on grace and not on law. This way of grace is full of love and mercy. He says My burden is light (Matt 11:30).  The Law was huge, since breaking one law meant all the laws were broken. Now we have an eternal sacrifice through Jesus that sets us free from the law of sin and death. We have a new way promising eternal life for all who call on His Name. What a heavenly transaction this new way is.

Many are looking for signs that are the works of God. Few are prepared to walk in His ways. Even in Jesus’ time, the Jews asked for a sign. They said Show us the miracles, and we will believe. Today, we also look for the works that we may believe in. Works are manifestations of His presence. They cannot replace His ways. His ways build us up and strengthen us. Miracles and signs come and go, and when we put our trust in them, we will not be building on solid ground. Like the signs in the sky, they fade and disappear. This is why we need to keep His ways and not look for signs. Jesus said these signs shall follow those who believe, not the other way round. Keep His ways, and His works will follow.