The word “worthy” appears some 41 times in the New Testament and is translated from the Greek word “axios.” The word means “of equal value, worthy, estimable, worthy of, deserving, either good or evil; suitable, due” (Mounce Greek Dictionary). How many times have you heard the expression, “he is getting what is due him”? Or, “he is getting what he deserves”? And, what does that have to do with our Christianity?
Well, in a real sense, we are not worthy, deserving, or due anything from God. We are human. We have sinned. There is nothing we can personally do to be worthy, deserving, or due our salvation. It is only by the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that we can receive salvation. We do not merit it, earn it, or deserve it.
However, in another real sense, we ARE worthy, deserving, due what God has in store for us. Look at the following passages and note this point…
- “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Eph. 4:1)
- “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ…” (Phil. 1:27)
- “that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:10)
- “which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer” (2Th. 1:5)
- “You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy” (Rev. 3:4)
The truth of the matter of worthiness is determined by what we do while we are here. If we live a sinful life of disappointment in God’s sight then we are not worthy of the salvation that He offers. However, if we live a life of faithfulness, pleasing God in both our thoughts and our actions, then yes, we are considered worthy of the salvation that God offers to those who obey Him. Only in Christ and our faithfulness to Him can put us in the position to be worthy of Him! So, are you worthy?
Think about it!
Kevin Williams
