Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian tradition, good works are seen as the natural fruit of a life transformed by faith in Jesus Christ. The saints, or believers, are called to bring their good works to light, not for their own glory, but to glorify God and bear witness to His transformative power in their lives.Biblical Foundation The concept of good works is deeply rooted in Scripture. Ephesians 2:10 states, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." This verse highlights that good works are not the means of salvation but the result of it. Believers are created anew in Christ for the purpose of performing good works that God has already prepared for them. Manifestation of Good Works Good works are to be visible and evident in the lives of the saints. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, 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). This directive emphasizes that good works should be brought to light, serving as a testimony to God's goodness and prompting others to glorify Him. Purpose and Impact The purpose of bringing good works to light is twofold: to glorify God and to serve as a witness to the world. In 1 Peter 2:12 , believers are encouraged to "conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." Here, good works serve as a defense against false accusations and as a means to lead others to acknowledge God's glory. Examples of Good Works The New Testament provides numerous examples of good works that believers are encouraged to pursue. Acts of charity, hospitality, and service are frequently highlighted. In James 1:27 , pure and undefiled religion is described as "to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This underscores the importance of practical acts of kindness and moral integrity. Role of the Holy Spirit The ability to perform good works is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes are manifested in the lives of believers as they walk in the Spirit, enabling them to perform good works that reflect God's character. Accountability and Reward Believers are accountable for their good works, and Scripture speaks of rewards for those who faithfully serve. In 2 Corinthians 5:10 , Paul writes, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad." This accountability serves as a motivation for believers to diligently pursue good works. In summary, good works are an essential aspect of the Christian life, serving as a testament to God's transformative power and a means to glorify Him. The saints are called to bring their good works to light, demonstrating the reality of their faith and drawing others to the truth of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 3:21But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are worked in God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Testimonies. 1. Of the Benefit of Good Works and Mercy. Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly Characters Will be Disclosed, and Justice Awarded. Psalm XXXVII. The Life of God Of the Active Life Making Light of Christ Another Sermon of M. Latimer, Concerning the Same Matter. Justification by Faith. Resources Is it really possible for Christians to do greater works than Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgIs salvation by faith alone, or by faith plus works? | GotQuestions.org What are the works of the law (Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16)? | 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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