The old objection against the doctrine of salvation by grace, that it
does away with the necessity of good works, and lowers the sense of
their importance (Rom. 6), although it has been answered a thousand
times, is still alleged by many. They say if men are not saved by
works, then works are not necessary. If the most moral of men are saved
in the same way as the very chief of sinners, then good works are of no
moment. And more than this, if the grace of God is most clearly
displayed in the salvation of the vilest of men, then the worse men are
the better. The objection has no validity. The gospel of salvation by
grace shows that good works are necessary. It is true, unchangeably
true, that without holiness no man shall see the Lord. "Neither
adulterers, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards" shall inherit the
kingdom of God.
Works are "good" only when,
(1) they spring from the
principle of love to God. The moral character of an act is determined
by the moral principle that prompts it. Faith and love in the heart are
the essential elements of all true obedience. Hence good works only
spring from a believing heart, can only be wrought by one reconciled to
God (Eph. 2:10; James 2: 18:22).
(2.) Good works have the glory of God
as their object; and
(3) they have the revealed will of God as their
only rule (Deut. 12:32; Rev. 22:18, 19).
Good works are an expression
of gratitude in the believer's heart (John 14:15, 23; Gal. 5:6). They
are the fruits of the Spirit (Titus 2:10-12), and thus spring from
grace, which they illustrate and strengthen in the heart. Good works of
the most sincere believers are all imperfect, yet like their persons
they are accepted through the mediation of Jesus Christ (Col. 3:17),
and so are rewarded; they have no merit intrinsically, but are rewarded
wholly of grace.
(Easton Illustrated Dictionary)
subject=Good_Worksgoodworks
goodwork
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