In the Christian faith, the concept of "good works" is integral to the life of a believer. Good works are seen as the natural outflow of a life transformed by faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible exhorts saints—those set apart by God—to actively engage in good works as a demonstration of their faith and as a testimony to the world.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides numerous exhortations for believers to engage in good works. In Ephesians 2:10 , 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." This verse underscores the idea that good works are not only expected but are a preordained part of the believer's journey.

Exhortations to Good Works

1. Imitating Christ: Believers are called to emulate the life of Jesus, who went about doing good (Acts 10:38). In 1 Peter 2:21 , it is written, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps."

2. Love and Service: The call to love one another is a recurring theme in the New Testament. In Galatians 5:13 , Paul exhorts, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love."

3. Bearing Fruit: Good works are often described as the fruit of a life lived in the Spirit. In Colossians 1:10 , Paul prays for the believers, "so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God."

4. Encouragement and Accountability: The community of believers is encouraged to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 states, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds."

5. Preparedness and Zeal: Believers are urged to be zealous for good works, as seen in Titus 2:14 , where Paul speaks of Jesus, "who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds."

The Role of Faith and Grace

While good works are essential, they are not the means of salvation but rather the evidence of it. Ephesians 2:8-9 clarifies, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage highlights that salvation is a gift of grace, and good works are the response to that grace.

Practical Application

The exhortation to put on good works is a call to practical Christianity. Believers are encouraged to engage in acts of kindness, charity, and service, reflecting the love of Christ in tangible ways. James 2:17 reminds us, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead."

In summary, the exhortation to put on good works is a vital aspect of the Christian life, serving as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Through good works, believers glorify God and fulfill their calling as His workmanship.Colossians 3:12-14
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Saints Fled for Our Sakes.
Select Works and Letters or Athanasius. ... for this that the persecutors sought after
the saints, that there ... them that suffer by the words, Be of good courage, and ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/21 the saints fled for.htm

The Value of this Doctrine
... that salvation is by grace through faith, and that all our works (before conversion ...
The saints are exhorted to "prove what is that good, and acceptable ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter twelve the value of.htm

The Blood
... were a mere man, my hearers, you could not be exhorted to trust ... Come hither saints
and sinners; gather in and crowd around the cross, and see ... Thy good works? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the blood.htm

Colossians iii. 18-25
... For thus is the custom of the Saints to pray ... being in bonds he exhorted others; and
exhorted them for ... glory, that all shining brightly in good works, and living ...
/.../homily x colossians iii 18-25.htm

Letter xi. --For 339. Coss. Constantius Augustus ii, Constans I ...
... in writing to different people, some he exhorted as, for ... us make a joyful noise with
the saints, and let ... with the joy which arises from good works, during the ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xi for 339 coss constantius.htm

Manasseh
... with the person who has been so exhorted and so ... remembered that he who had persecuted
the saints of God ... But sir," you say, "I have many good works, and would ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/manasseh.htm

The Irish Articles of Religion. AD 1615.
... above God's commandments, which they call works of supererogation ... also their chastity,
goods, and good names; to ... universal company of all the saints that ever ...
/.../the irish articles of religion.htm

Miscellaneous Subjects.
... 10. By the apostle Christians are exhorted to be careful to maintain good
works. ... 18. Saints should be fruitful in good works. "That ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xvi miscellaneous subjects.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch
... It was, that we might not say, when exhorted to the same virtue, that they were ... Do
thou too imitate these saints, and cease not from good works, so long ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i this homily was.htm

Christ the Believer's Husband
... that a mixed multitude of saints, unconverted sinners ... 12, "As you know how we exhorted,
and comforted ... Antinomian doctrine, and as though it destroyed good works. ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the believers husband.htm

What are meritorious works in Catholicism? | GotQuestions.org

What 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

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