Why Must We Do Good Works?

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: I Corinthians 6; Lord's Day 32
Psalters: 259, 143, 207, 313
  1. The question.
    1. The first question can suggest opposition to the doctrine of justification by faith alone.
      1. Justification by faith alone excludes all human works.
      2. So why must we do good works if they are not necessary for salvation.
    2. This question has been answered wrongly in history.
      1. Arminians and Pelagians speak of good works as necessary for salvation (preceding salvation).
      2. Antinomians deny a place for good works in any area of the Christian life.
  2. The Reformed faith maintains that good works are necessary, but they are without merit.
    1. Salvation involves a real change (I Cor. 6:15,17,19; Eph. 5:5).
      1. Those who do not sincerely repent may not claim that they are Christians.
      2. We do good works as the direct result of Christ?s work in us.
      3. Redemption by Jesus? blood is followed by the renewal by His Spirit after His own image so we are made to be like Him (I Cor. 6:11b; Romans 8:29).
  3. Why do 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. Those 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 He saves us for His glory (Rom. 9:23).