1689 16.2

16.2. Of Good Works

These good works, done in obedience to Gods commandments, are the fruits, and evidences of a true, and lively faith; and by them Believers manifest their thankfullness, strengthen their assurance, edifie their brethren, adorn the profession of the Gospel, stop the mouths of the adversaries and glorifie God whose workmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto, that having their fruit unto holiness, they may have the end eternal life.

Proof texts

• James 2:18, 22 — [18] But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. [22] You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;
• Psalms 116:12, 13 — [12] What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me? [13] I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD,
• 1 John 2:3, 5 — [3] And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. [5] but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:
• 2 Peter 1:5-11 — [5] For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, [6] and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, [7] and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. [8] For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. [10] Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. [11] For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
• Matthew 5:16 — [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
• 1 Timothy 6:1 — [1] Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.
• 1 Peter 2:15 — [15] For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
• Philippians 1:11 — [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
• Ephesians 2:10 — [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
• Romans 6:22 — [22] But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited James 2:18, 22 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 10 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