LORD’S DAY 24
Q. 62. But why cannot our good works be the whole or part of our righteousness before God?
A. Because that the righteousness which can be approved of before the tribunal of God must be absolutely perfect, and in all respects conformable to the divine law;1 and also, that our best works in this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin.2
- Gal. 3:10; Deut. 27:26.
- Isa. 64:6.
Q. 63. What! Do not our good works merit, which yet God will reward in this and in a future life?
A. This reward is not of merit, but of grace.1
- Luke 17:10.
Q. 64. But doth not this doctrine make men careless and profane?
A. By no means; for it is impossible that those who are implanted into Christ by a true faith should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness.1
- Mat. 7:17, 18; John 15:5.
LORD’S DAY 24
Faith and Good Works
1. Do we who are in Christ perform good works?
Yes, we are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Ephesians 2:10.
2. Why cannot these good works be the whole or a part of our righteousness before God?
Because the righteousness approved of by God must be absolutely perfect, and in all respects conformable to the divine law. Galatians 3:10.
3. Are not our good works perfectly conformable to God’s law?
No, even our best works in this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin. Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:19, 20.
4. But will not Christ judge every man according to his works in the day of judgment?
Every man will indeed be rewarded according to the works he has done in this life. Romans 14:10-12; II Corinthians 5:10.
5. Do not our good works merit that which God will reward in this and a future life?
This reward is not of merit, but of grace.
6. What does it mean that our reward is of grace?
That though we work out our own salvation, it is God who works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12, 13.
7. Does not this doctrine make men careless and profane?
By no means, for it is impossible that those who are in Christ by a true faith should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness. Matthew 7:17, 18; John 15:5.
8. What can we say, then, about the relation between salvation and good works?
Good works never earn salvation, but are always the fruit of salvation. James 2:14-26.