Why Must We Still Do Good Works?
Minister: | Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: | 10/8/2017 AM |
Text: | Ephesians 4, 5; Lord's Day 32 |
Psalters: | 256, 141, 208, 313 |
- The question.
- The question arises.
- First, because justification excludes all human works: “without any merit,” “merely of grace,” “through Christ.”
- Second, our human nature is Arminian and our earthly relationships are based on works.
- We are taught that even though we are not saved BY our good works, we must still do them.
- The Heidelberg’s question indicates the conviction that Scripture demands that those saved in Jesus do good works.
- The question arises.
- Scripture is not indifferent to good works.
- God shows that what one believes and how one lives are to harmonize (4:1; Col. 3:1-8,17; Titus 1:1; 2:1,14).
- Those who live in known sin habitually and impenitently show themselves to be non-christian (5:3-7; Gal. 5:19-21).
- This is different than sinning and hating it and myself for my sin, for everyone stumbles (James 3:2; I John 1:8).
- When the Catechism teaches that good works are essential, it does not mean that good works merit.
- Good works are the result of a great change God has made in those He saves (I Cor. 6:15,17,19).
- When God elected, when Jesus redeemed, and when the Spirit regenerates, God had our good works in this plan.
- The saved are renewed by His Spirit after His own image so we are made to be like Him (I Cor. 6:11b; Romans 8:29).
- God shows that what one believes and how one lives are to harmonize (4:1; Col. 3:1-8,17; Titus 1:1; 2:1,14).
- 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 wants to do what our Loved One wants; to please our Father.
- Fourth, we do good works because we are so grateful for the free salvation given to someone so undeserving.
- Finally, we do good works to glorify God (Matt. 5:16; John 15:8).