SD 16.2

16.2. Of Good Works

These good works done in obedience to God's commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith; and by them believers manifest their thankfulness, strengthen their assurance, edify their brethren, adorn the profession of the gospel, stop the mouths of the adversaries, and glorify 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;
• Ps. 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 Pet. 2:9 — [9] But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
• 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 Pet. 1:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 — [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.
• 2 Cor. 9:2 — [2] for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
• Matt. 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.
• Tit. 2:5, 9, 10, 11, 12
• 1 Tim. 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 Pet. 2:15 — [15] For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
• 1 Pet. 2:12 — [12] Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
• Phil. 1:11 — [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
• John 15:8 — [8] By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
• Eph. 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.
• Rom. 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. 15 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WCF 16.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. 1689 16.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 16.1 · 1689 16.1