LORD’S DAY 32
Q. 86. Since then we are delivered from our misery merely of grace, through Christ, without any merit of ours, why must we still do good works?
A. Because Christ, having redeemed and delivered us by His blood, also renews us by His Holy Spirit after His own image; that so we may testify by the whole of our conduct our gratitude to God for His blessings,1 and that He may be praised by us;2 also, that every one may be assured in himself of his faith by the fruits thereof;3 and that by our godly conversation others may be gained to Christ.4 Because Christ, having redeemed and delivered us by His blood, also renews us by His Holy Spirit after His own image; that so we may testify by the whole of our conduct our gratitude to God for His blessings,1 and that He may be praised by us;2 also, that every one may be assured in himself of his faith by the fruits thereof;3 and that by our godly conversation others may be gained to Christ.4
- 1 Cor. 6:19, 20. Rom. 6:13. Rom. 12:1, 2. 1 Pet. 2:5, 9, 10.
- Mat. 5:16. 1 Pet. 2:12.
- 2 Pet. 1:10. Gal. 5:6, 24.
- 1 Pet. 3:1, 2. Mat. 5:16. Rom. 14:19.
Q. 87. Cannot they then be saved, who, continuing in their wicked and ungrateful lives, are not converted to God?
A. By no means; for the Holy Scripture declares that no unchaste person, idolator, adulterer, thief, covetous man, drunkard, slanderer, robber, or any such like, shall inherit the kingdom of God.1 By no means; for the Holy Scripture declares that no unchaste person, idolator, adulterer, thief, covetous man, drunkard, slanderer, robber, or any such like, shall inherit the kingdom of God.1
- 1 Cor. 6:9, 10. Eph. 5:5, 6. 1 John 3:14, 15. Gal. 5:21.
LORD’S DAY 32
The Necessity of Good Works
1. How are we saved?
We are delivered from our misery merely of grace, through Christ, without any merit of ours.
2. If we are delivered from misery merely of grace, why must we still do good works?
Because Christ, having redeemed us by His blood, also renews us by His Holy Spirit, after His own image. Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10.
3. What is the result of Christ’s renewing us by the Holy Spirit?
We testify by the whole of our conduct our gratitude to God for His blessings, and He is praised by us. Romans 12:1, 2.
4. What assurance do we receive from our good works?
We are assured in ourselves of our faith by the fruits thereof. II Peter 1:10.
5. What other purpose do our good works serve?
By our godly conversation others may be gained to Christ. Matthew 5:13-16; Acts 8:4; Romans 14:19.
6. Can they be saved who, continuing in their wicked lives, are not converted to God?
By no means, for the Holy Scripture declares that the unrighteous man shall not inherit the kingdom of God. I Corinthians 6:9, 10; Ephesians 5:5, 6.
7. Can you give examples of an unrighteous man?
Yes, an unchaste person, idolater, adulterer, thief, covetous man, drunkard, slanderer, robber, and such like.