In the bible, Chapter 19 in the book of Luke, is the story of Zacchaeus. He was a very rich man. A Chief tax collector. A sinner. He was drawn to Jesus. So much so, that he climbed up a tree to see Jesus. When Jesus saw Zacchaeus (Zacch), He told him that He (Jesus) wanted to go to Zacch's home to fellowship with him. Zacch was overjoyed at this and gladly had Jesus come to his home. When at his home, Zacch vowed to give half of his possessions to the poor and pay back 4 times the amount of money to anyone that he had cheated.
Then Jesus declared that salvation had come to the home of Zacchaeus.
Was Zacchaeus saved by his works? Or were his acts of charity (giving to the poor, etc.), a result of his salvation? Was he responding in love and grace to the saving grace of Jesus?
When we reach out to the homeless, poor, etc., are we "working for our salvation"? Or working and walking in grace from the salvation we have already received from our Lord?
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