Why Do Good Works?

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