If salvation from the penalty of sin is conditioned upon a non-meritorious moment of faith, if justification before God is “not by works of righteousness which we have done,” and if the individual who places their faith in Christ is eternally secure, then why serve God? Why read the Bible? Why follow Christ? Why go to church? Why not simply “live like the Devil”?
In other words, if justification is “not of works,” how can one begin to justify doing good works? Outside of meriting or maintaining their standing, carnal man struggles to find meaning in service.
With that being said, here are 5 reasons to serve God after salvation:
Number 1: Because It’s Right
Ephesians 6:1 says:
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.”
Notice the reason God gives for obedience—not because it is required, nor because it secures one’s righteous standing before Him, but simply because it is right. In other words, do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Unfortunately, this reason alone is insufficient for many immature believers who cannot conceive of serving Christ unless it contributes to meriting or maintaining their salvation.
Number 2: Because It’s Reasonable
Romans 12:1 says:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
In light of all that Christ has done, is doing, and will do, the only reasonable response for the believer is to present their lives to the Lord as a living sacrifice. Again, not because it is required, but because it is reasonable.
Number 3: Because It’s Rewarded
1 Corinthians 3:11–14 says:
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”
1 Corinthians 9:24–25 says:
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”
The Apostle Paul encourages believers to run the race set before them to receive a reward. Should not every child of God desire this crown? Absolutely. Should every Christian strive to “please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier”? Certainly. Such motivation is neither selfish ambition nor sinful desire, but a proper and God-honoring pursuit.
Number 4: Because It Remains
As the hymn says:
“Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Jesus said in Matthew 6:19–21:
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Serving God is an investment in what endures. Your temporal life can have an eternal impact on others. Remember, God can use you, in spite of you, to accomplish His purposes.
Number 5: Because It’s Regarded
Matthew 5:16 says:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Believer, the way in which you behave is being observed by others. Should we not, therefore, strive to be a positive influence upon both the saved and the unsaved? David’s disobedience gave “great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme,” whereas Daniel’s obedience moved others to glorify God.
Daniel 6:25–27 says:
“Then King Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth, Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”
In conclusion, why should I serve God?
- Because it’s RIGHT
- Because it’s REASONABLE
- Because it’s REWARDED
- Because it REMAINS
- Because it’s REGARDED