Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, the concept of good works is deeply intertwined with the understanding of God's nature and His relationship with humanity. Good works, as acts of righteousness and obedience to God's commandments, are seen as a reflection of a believer's faith and love for God. The Bible assures believers that God remembers and values these good works, which are performed in faith and sincerity.Biblical Foundation The Bible provides numerous instances where God acknowledges and remembers the good works of His people. In the Old Testament, the prophet Malachi speaks of a "scroll of remembrance" written in God's presence concerning those who fear the Lord and honor His name: "Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name" (Malachi 3:16). This passage highlights God's attentiveness to the actions and attitudes of His faithful followers. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that God is not unjust to forget the labor of love shown by believers: "For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so" (Hebrews 6:10). This assurance serves as an encouragement to Christians to persist in their good works, knowing that God sees and remembers their efforts. Examples of Good Works Remembered The Bible provides specific examples of individuals whose good works were remembered by God. Cornelius, a centurion described in the Book of Acts, is noted for his devoutness and acts of charity: "Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, 'What is it, Lord?' The angel answered, 'Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God'" (Acts 10:4). Cornelius's good works were recognized by God, leading to a significant moment in the early Church's history. Another example is found in the account of the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume. Jesus declared that her act of devotion would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached: "Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her" (Matthew 26:13). This highlights the lasting impact of sincere acts of love and worship. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the remembrance of good works by God underscores His justice and faithfulness. While salvation is by grace through faith and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9), good works are the fruit of a transformed life in Christ. They are evidence of genuine faith and are pleasing to God. The remembrance of these works is not about earning salvation but about God's recognition of the believer's faithfulness and obedience. Furthermore, the remembrance of good works serves as a motivation for believers to live righteously and to serve others. Knowing that God sees and values their efforts encourages Christians to persevere in doing good, even when it goes unnoticed by others. As Jesus taught, acts of kindness done in secret will be rewarded by the Father who sees in secret (Matthew 6:4). Practical Application Believers are encouraged to engage in good works as an expression of their faith and love for God. This includes acts of charity, service to others, and living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ. The assurance that God remembers these works provides comfort and motivation, especially in times of discouragement or when facing opposition. In summary, the Bible affirms that God remembers the good works of His people. This remembrance is a testament to His justice, faithfulness, and love for those who seek to honor Him through their actions. Nave's Topical Index Nehemiah 13:14Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof. Nave's Topical Index Hebrews 6:9,10 Library Whether the Effect of Subsequent Penance is to Quicken Even Dead ... How Holy Love Returning into the Soul, Brings Back to Life all the ... The Writing on God's Hands Letter v. --The Fear of Being Wanting in Submission. The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death. Good News Of the Anger of God and the Punishment of Sins, and a Recital of ... The Knowledge of God Eighth Sunday after Trinity Living in the Spirit as God's Children ... Description of the Gnostic Continued. Resources Why is salvation by works the predominantly held viewpoint? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is faith without works dead? | GotQuestions.org What are the works of the devil in 1 John 3:8? | GotQuestions.org Works: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Good Works are by Jesus Christ to the Glory and Praise of God Good Works in the Judgment, Will be an Evidence of Faith Good Works: Called: Fruits Meet for Repentance Good Works: Called: Fruits of Righteousness Good Works: Called: Good Fruits Good Works: Called: Works and Labours of Love Good Works: Christ, an Example of Good Works: Heavenly Wisdom is Full of Good Works: Holy Women should Manifest Good Works: Justification Unattainable By Good Works: Ministers should a Blessing Attends Good Works: Ministers should be Patterns of Good Works: Ministers should Designed to Lead Others to Glorify God Good Works: Ministers should Exhort To Good Works: Ministers should God is Glorified By Good Works: Ministers should Illustrated Good Works: Ministers should The Wicked Reprobate To Good Works: Saints are Full of Good Works: Saints are Zealous of Good Works: Saints: Bring to the Light Their Good Works: Saints: Created in Christ To Good Works: Saints: Exhorted to Put On Good Works: Saints: Followed Into Rest by Their Good Works: Saints: should Abound to All Good Works: Saints: should Avoid Ostentation In Good Works: Saints: should be Careful to Maintain Good Works: Saints: should be Established In Good Works: Saints: should be Fruitful In Good Works: Saints: should be Furnished to All Good Works: Saints: should be Perfect In Good Works: Saints: should be Prepared to All Good Works: Saints: should be Ready to All Good Works: Saints: should be Rich In Good Works: Saints: should Manifest, With Meekness Good Works: Saints: should Provoke Each Other Good Works: Salvation Unattainable By Good Works: Shall be Brought Into the Judgment Good Works: The Scripture Designed to Lead Us To Good Works: They Alone, Who Abide in Christ Can Perform Good Works: To be Performed in Christ's Name Good Works: Wrought by God in Us Works: Good in the Judgment, Will be an Evidence of Faith Works: Good of the Righteous, are Manifest Works: Good: A Blessing Attends Works: Good: Designed to Lead Others to Glorify God Works: Good: God is Glorified By Works: Good: Holy Women should Manifest Works: Good: Jesus an Example of Works: Good: Servants should be Patterns of Works: Good: Servants should Exhort To Works: Good: The Barren Fig Tree Works: Good: The Laborer's in the Vineyard Works: Good: Will be Brought Into Judgment Works: Insufficiency of, for Salvation Works: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |