1689 16.6

16.6. Of Good Works

Yet notwithstanding the persons of Believers being accepted through Christ their good works also are accepted in him; not as though they were in this life wholly unblameable and unreprovable in Gods sight; but that he looking upon them in his Son is pleased to accept and reward that which is sincere although accompanied with many weaknesses and imperfections.

Proof texts

• Ephesians 1:6 — [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
• 1 Peter 2:5 — [5] you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
• Matthew 25:21, 23 — [21] His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ [23] His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
• Hebrews 6:10 — [10] For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Ephesians 1:6 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