Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
This passage of scripture focuses our attention on Christ and the work He is doing within our hearts in accomplishing our salvation. Our confidence should never be placed in good works, even though they are necessary and are produced by the working of the Holy Ghost in our minds. Good works in and of themselves cannot merit anyone a place in God's kingdom, only through the sacrifice and righteousness of Christ can anyone be admitted through the pearly gates, and therefore it is of critical importance that as Christians we do not be deceived by the various "Plan Bs that are now being purported as being sufficient to enter heaven.
Feeding the poor and doing good charitable work, and visiting the sick and casting out devils are all good in their legitimate sphere, and are to be commended and encouraged, however we must be aware that in and of themselves, they stand powerless to save us without Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith. This sacred truth is explicitly stated over and over again in the Bible and should be clearly understood by all who desire eternal life with Christ. Let's read:
Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.
Today there are over three hundred thousand charities across America, which do very good work, from saving abandoned puppies to protecting the environment, from distributing hot meals to the less fortunate, to assisting the disenfranchised, and many more, too numerous to mention. However, when it comes to being assured of our eternal salvation, there is one indispensable element we must have, that of Christ living and working within us to restore the moral image of God in us. Without this taking place in our hearts every day, then the hope of eternal salvation becomes vain and empty, having no merit or worth according to the Bible. Let's read:
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reminds us that Jesus Christ is our all in all, and that whatsoever good work is accomplished in our lives, is done because of Him working in us to guarantee out eternal salvation, if we so choose. Let's read:
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
May our focus, dependence, assurance and faith be always centered in Christ, for if it is, we can then live with confident expectancy of eternal life with Him. God bless!