The Conundrum of Merit

  "The only difference between the sheep and the goats is what they did, or didn't do." - Keith Green

Merit is a tricky subject. We all know that we are saved by faith; but what, exactly, does that mean?

Moses said to Israel in Deuteronomy 9:5 "Do not think it is because of your righteousness" that God is giving Israel the Promised Land. He emphasizes in several other places that is the sovereign work of God that the small, weak, rebellious people of Israel were "chosen." No merit on their part.

On the other hand, the parable of the sheep and the goats, and several other of the Master's parables, seem to indicate that "action" is a requirement.

The Apocalypse of John says: "Therefore, remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent."

I often say that "merit has merit" - but in what way? 

Here's what I believe, though it flies in the face of conventional theology.

• I believe merit has "merit." That is, I believe our actions matter; and, more than that, I believe our actions reveal our heart, and that as we move towards righteousness in our actions, we obtain favor that allows us to ask for bigger things from Hashem. This does not in any way diminish the work of Yeshua - it is through Him, ultimately, that things in the Spirit are facilitated and accomplished. But we have a role to play, and how big that role is depends on our faith AND our actions (remember "show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith BY my works.")
• I believe we are saved "from" sin, but we are saved "FOR" good works - meritorious works.
• I believe in the Jewish concept of "Tikkun Olam" - the restoration of all things. This was the work of Yeshua, as the second Adam; he reversed the curse brought by the first Adam. BUT he also opened the door for us to join him in this work. Obviously we are not living in a restored world - yet. But we all have the opportunity, within our sphere of influence, to participate in the restoration. How? By our WORDS and our DEEDS, large and small. Plant a flower. Plant a tree. Speak encouraging words of life to someone. Right a wrong. Repent of sin. 

The list of things any and all of us could do to make the world a better place is endless. Those righteous acts - mitzvot - have value. They help to restore the world, and they help to hasten the return of Messiah - and THAT is a worthy goal.