1689 16.3
1689 London Baptist Confession
16.3. Of Good Works
Their ability to do good works, is not at all of themselves; but wholly from the Spirit of Christ; and that they may be enabled thereunto, besides the graces they have already received, there is necessary an actual influence of the same Holy Spirit, to work in them to will, and to do, of his good pleasure; yet are they not hereupon to grow negligent, as if they were not bound to perform any duty, unless upon a special motion of the Spirit; but they ought to be diligent in stirring up the Grace of God that is in them.
Proof texts
- John 15:4, 5 — [4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. [5] I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
- 2 Corinthians 3:5 — [5] Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,
- Philippians 2:13 — [13] for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
- Philippians 2:12 — [12] Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
- Hebrews 6:11, 12 — [11] And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, [12] so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
- Isaiah 64:7 — [7] There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited John 15:4, 5 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 6 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q85 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- 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