Study Reformed

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 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?
Rom. 12:2 — [2] Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Heb. 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.
Matt. 15:9 — [9] in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
Isa. 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,
1 Pet. 1:18 — [18] knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,
Rom. 10:2 — [2] For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
John 16:2 — [2] They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.
1 Sam. 15:21, 22, 23 — [21] But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.” [22] And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. [23] For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king.”

For discussion

The Assembly cited Micah 6:8 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
9 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 16.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 16.1

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

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?
15 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 16.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
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

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 required 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.
Ezek. 36:26, 27 — [26] And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
Phil. 2:13 — [13] for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Phil. 4:13 — [13] I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
2 Cor. 3:5 — [5] Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,
Phil. 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,
Heb. 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.
2 Pet. 1:3, 5, 10, 11 — [3] His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, [5] For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, [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.
Isa. 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.
2 Tim. 1:6 — [6] For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,
Acts 26:6, 7 — [6] And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, [7] to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king!
Jude 20, 21 — [20] But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, [21] keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

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?
12 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 16.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
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

16.4. Of Good Works

They who in their obedience attain to the greatest height which is possible in this life, are so far from being able to supererogate, and to do more than God requires, as that they fall short of much which in duty they are bound to do.

Proof texts

Luke 17:10 — [10] So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”
Neh. 13:22 — [22] Then I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come and guard the gates, to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember this also in my favor, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your steadfast love.
Job 9:2, 3 — [2] “Truly I know that it is so: But how can a man be in the right before God? [3] If one wished to contend with him, one could not answer him once in a thousand times.
Gal. 5:17 — [17] For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Luke 17:10 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
4 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 16.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
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

16.5. Of Good Works

We cannot by our best works merit pardon of sin, or eternal life at the hand of God, by reason of the great disproportion that is between them and the glory to come; and the infinite distance that is between us and God, whom by them we can neither profit, nor satisfy for the debt of our former sins; but when we have done all we can, we have done but our duty, and are unprofitable servants; and because, as they are good, they proceed from the Spirit, and as they are wrought by us, they are defiled and mixed with so much weakness and imperfection, that they cannot endure the severity of God's judgment.

Proof texts

Rom. 3:20 — [20] For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
Rom. 4:2, 4, 6 — [2] For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. [4] Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. [6] just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
Eph. 2:8, 9 — [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Tit. 3:5, 6, 7
Rom. 8:18 — [18] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Ps. 16:2 — [2] I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
Job 22:2, 3 — [2] “Can a man be profitable to God? Surely he who is wise is profitable to himself. [3] Is it any pleasure to the Almighty if you are in the right, or is it gain to him if you make your ways blameless?
Job 35:7, 8 — [7] If you are righteous, what do you give to him? Or what does he receive from your hand? [8] Your wickedness concerns a man like yourself, and your righteousness a son of man.
Luke 17:10 — [10] So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”
Gal. 5:22, 23 — [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Isa. 64:6 — [6] We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
Gal. 5:17 — [17] For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
Rom. 7:15, 18 — [15] For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. [18] For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.
Ps. 143:2 — [2] Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you.
Ps. 130:3 — [3] If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?

For discussion

The Assembly cited Rom. 3:20 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
15 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 16.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
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

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 unreproveable in God's 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

Eph. 1:6 — [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
1 Pet. 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.
Exod. 28:38 — [38] It shall be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts. It shall regularly be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.
Gen. 4:4 with Heb. 11:4
Job. 9:20 — [20] Though I am in the right, my own mouth would condemn me; though I am blameless, he would prove me perverse.
Ps. 143:2 — [2] Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you.
Heb. 13:20, 21 — [20] Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, [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.
2 Cor. 8:12 — [12] For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
Heb. 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.
Matt. 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.’

For discussion

The Assembly cited Eph. 1:6 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
10 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 16.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
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

16.7. Of Good Works

Works done by unregenerate men, although for the matter of them they may be things which God commands, and of good use both to themselves and to others: yet because they proceed not from a heart purified by faith; nor are done in a right manner, according to the Word; nor to a right end, the glory of God; they are therefore sinful, and cannot please God, nor make a man meet to receive grace from God; and yet their neglect of them is more sinful, and displeasing unto God.

Proof texts

2 Kings 10:30, 31 — [30] And the LORD said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in my eyes, and have done to the house of Ahab according to all that was in my heart, your sons of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.” [31] But Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn from the sins of Jeroboam, which he made Israel to sin.
1 Kings 21:27, 29 — [27] And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. [29] “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son's days I will bring the disaster upon his house.”
Phil. 1:15, 16, 18 — [15] Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. [16] The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. [18] What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. <b>To Live Is Christ</b> Yes, and I will rejoice,
Gen. 4:5 with Heb. 11:4
Heb. 11:6 — [6] And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
1 Cor. 13:3 — [3] If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Isa. 1:12 — [12] “When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts?
Matt. 6:2, 5, 16 — [2] “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. [5] “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. [16] “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
Hag. 2:14 — [14] Then Haggai answered and said, “So is it with this people, and with this nation before me, declares the LORD, and so with every work of their hands. And what they offer there is unclean.
Tit. 1:15
Amos 5:22, 23 — [22] Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them. [23] Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen.
Hosea 1:4 — [4] And the LORD said to him, “Call his name Jezreel, for in just a little while I will punish the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel.
Rom. 9:16 — [16] So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
Titus 3:5 — [5] he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
Ps. 14:4 — [4] Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the LORD?
Ps. 36:3 — [3] The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
Job 21:14, 15 — [14] They say to God, ‘Depart from us! We do not desire the knowledge of your ways. [15] What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? And what profit do we get if we pray to him?’
Matt. 25:41, 42, 43, 45 — [41] “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. [42] For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, [43] I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ [45] Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’
Matt. 23:23 — [23] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.

For discussion

The Assembly cited 2 Kings 10:30, 31 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
19 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 16.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
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