Why Do Good Works?
Minister: | Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: | 6/8/2014 AM |
Text: | I Corinthians 6; Lord's Day 32 |
Psalters: | 256, 143, 207, 313 |
- The question.
- This question can suggest opposition to the doctrine of justification by faith alone (cf. Lord’s Day 23).
- Justification by faith alone excludes all human works: it is "without any merit;" "merely of grace;" "through Christ."
- The question: why must we do good works if they are not necessary for salvation.
- This question has been answered wrongly in history.
- Antinomians deny a place for good works in any area of the Christian life.
- Arminians and Pelagians speak of good works as necessary for salvation (preceding salvation).
- This question can suggest opposition to the doctrine of justification by faith alone (cf. Lord’s Day 23).
- Good works are very necessary, but we deny that they merit.
- No one can claim to be saved unless he does good works.
- Those who do not sincerely repent may not claim that they are Christians.
- Salvation involves a real change (I Cor. 6:15,17,19; Eph. 5:5).
- We do good works as the direct result of another part of Christ's work in us.
- Redemption by Jesus' blood is followed by the renewal by His Spirit (I Cor. 6:11b; Romans 8:29).
- No one can claim to be saved unless he does good works.
- The reasons why we do good works?
- First, we are commanded to do so.
- Second, we do good works because faith produces good works (James 2).
- Third, we do good works because love does good works (His commands are not grievous).
- Fourth, we do good works because we want to thank Him.
- We believe that without holiness one cannot see God (Heb. 12:14).
- Finally, we do good works to glorify God (Matt. 5:16) because God saves us for His glory (Rom. 9:23; I Peter 2:9).