WCF 16.3

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

1. 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?
2. 12 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 · WLC Q91 · HC Q86 · BC 6.3 · BC 6.4 · BC 6.5 · 1689 16.1 · SC60 5.1 · SC60 5.2 · SC60 5.3 · SC60 5.4 · IAR 5.6 · SHC 5.1 · SHC 5.2 · SHC 5.3 · SD 16.1