Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, the concept of "good works" is deeply intertwined with the understanding of faith, salvation, and the character of God. Good works are actions that reflect the moral and ethical teachings of the Bible, demonstrating love, compassion, and obedience to God's commandments. The Bible emphasizes that while salvation is a gift of grace through faith, good works are the natural fruit of a genuine faith and are remembered by God.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently teaches that God remembers and values the good works of His people. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life" (Ephesians 2:10). This passage highlights that good works are not only expected but are part of God's divine plan for believers. The Book of Hebrews also underscores the importance of good works, stating, "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 believers that their efforts in serving others and living out their faith are not in vain. Old Testament Examples The Old Testament provides numerous examples of individuals whose good works were remembered by God. One notable example is Cornelius, a centurion described in the Book of Acts as "a devout man who feared God with all his household. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly" (Acts 10:2). Cornelius's good works and prayers ascended as a memorial before God, leading to a divine encounter with the Apostle Peter and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon his household. Another example is found in the account of King Hezekiah, who, when faced with illness, prayed to God, reminding Him of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion. God responded through the prophet Isaiah, saying, "I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life" (2 Kings 20:5). Hezekiah's good works and faithfulness were remembered by God, resulting in an extension of his life. The Role of Good Works in the Life of Believers While good works are not the basis for salvation, they are a vital expression of a living faith. James, the brother of Jesus, emphasizes this relationship by stating, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead" (James 2:26). Good works are the evidence of a transformed life and a testament to the believer's commitment to God's will. The teachings of Jesus also highlight the significance of good works. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Here, good works serve as a witness to the world, pointing others to the glory of God. Eternal Rewards The Bible speaks of eternal rewards for those who faithfully perform good works. In the Book of Revelation, Jesus declares, "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done" (Revelation 22:12). This promise assures believers that their good works have eternal significance and will be recognized by God in the life to come. In summary, the Bible affirms that God remembers the good works of His people. These works, while not the means of salvation, are a reflection of a genuine faith and are integral to the Christian life. They serve as a testimony to God's love and grace, bringing glory to His name and impacting the world for His kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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 ... Letter v. --The Fear of Being Wanting in Submission. Of the Anger of God and the Punishment of Sins, and a Recital of ... Good News Sermon for the Third Sunday in Advent The Sixth Commandment The Writing on God's Hands Matt. xxi. 12, 13 The Letter of Saint Polycarp, Resources What are meritorious works in Catholicism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the relationship of faith, works, and security in salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that good works are the result of salvation? | 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 Good-for-nothing (22 Occurrences) |
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