1689 16.1

16.1. Of Good Works

Good Works are only such as God hath commanded in his Holy word; and not such as without the warrant thereof, are devised by men, out of blind zeal, or upon any pretence of good intentions.

Proof texts

• Micah 6:8 — [8] He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
• Hebrews 13:21 — [21] equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
• Matthew 15:9 — [9] in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
• Isaiah 29:13 — [13] And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Micah 6:8 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 4 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q85 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q86 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q85 · WSC Q86 · WSC Q87 · WCF 16.1 · HC Q86 · BC 6.3 · BC 6.4 · BC 6.5 · SD 16.1