Further, it is not just those who did all the right things, who carried out the assignments, who will be saved. We notice that the Lord here condemns and casts out those who have prophesied, cast out devils, and done many wonderful works.
The Lord’s true Saints are the ones who do his works, under the influence of his Spirit. These perform living works, not dead works. Dead works are works not grounded in faith, deeds and actions and covenants not performed in righteousness. Dead works may also consist of works void of the motivation and staying power found in and through the Holy Ghost.
“And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the father show forth his, own work. in it. But if it be not built upon the-my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verify I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return.” (3 Nephi 27:10-11, italics added.)
Paul taught that whatever works are not of faith-are not motivated by one’s faith in and dedication to Jesus Christ, works which are spiritually inert-are ultimately sin (Romans 14:23).
On the other hand, those works which come-as does the fruit of the Spirit-by the power of the Holy Ghost, lift and lighten. They are deeds of faith and wonder which renew. Such works focus on and witness of Christ, who is their source; these good works are seen of men, that observers may glorify God (3 Nephi 12:16). Such works are more than duty or assignment; they become liberating privileges and opportunities.