“Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

The Scriptures make it very plain that we are not saved by good works, nor is it by good luck, or good intentions, or good company, though all of these have their advocates. The fact is, we are saved by good looks!

First of all, one needs to take a good look at the creation. “Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things” (Isaiah 40:26). He will see clear evidence that he is accountable to his Creator, but then a closer look reveals a desperate need. “Lift up your eyes to the heavens and look upon the earth beneath . . . they that dwell therein shall die in like manner” (Isaiah 51:6). The creation is dying because of God’s curse.

Then, as one looks at his own works in light of God’s holiness, he sees that he also is dying, as in our text. The situation is hopeless if we see only with physical eyes, “for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (II Corinthians 4:18). But then, one can take a good look at Christ, with eyes of the heart. “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:22).

The life which begins with a believing look at the cross, must also continue with one’s eyes still on Christ, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). This good look will even see, with the eye of faith, the ultimate return of Christ, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). In the meantime, we also need to “Lift up [our] eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest” (John 4:35). HMM