Topical Bible: Good Works: Saints: should be Established In

◄ Good Works: Saints: should be Established In ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of "good works" is a fundamental aspect of Christian doctrine, emphasizing the importance of righteous living and the manifestation of faith through actions. The Bible consistently encourages believers, referred to as saints, to be established in good works as a testament to their faith and as a means of glorifying God.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides a robust framework for understanding the role of good works in the life of a believer. 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 merely optional but are integral to the Christian identity and purpose.

Exhortation to Good Works

The epistles frequently exhort believers to be diligent in good works. In Titus 3:8 , Paul instructs, "This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will be intent on engaging in good works. These things are excellent and profitable for the people." Here, good works are presented as beneficial and necessary for the community of faith.

Role of Good Works in Sanctification

Good works are also seen as a natural outflow of the sanctification process. In Philippians 2:12-13 , Paul encourages believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This passage highlights the cooperative nature of sanctification, where believers actively participate in good works as God empowers them.

Evidence of Faith

James 2:17 famously states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This verse emphasizes that genuine faith is evidenced by good works. The relationship between faith and works is not one of earning salvation but rather demonstrating the transformative power of faith in a believer's life.

Encouragement to Persevere

Believers are encouraged to persevere in good works, as seen in Galatians 6:9 : "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." This encouragement serves as a reminder of the eternal significance and reward associated with steadfastness in good works.

Good Works as a Witness

Good works serve as a powerful witness to the world. In Matthew 5:16 , Jesus instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Here, good works are portrayed as a means of reflecting God's glory and drawing others to Him.

Conclusion

The call for saints to be established in good works is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. It is a call to live out one's faith actively, to participate in the divine purpose, and to serve as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Thessalonians 2:17
Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Law Established through Faith
... we are now speaking of, but "to the saints of God ... But we should have been obliged,
if we had been ... Whereas now all good works, though as necessary as ever, are ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 35 the law established.htm

The Law Established through Faith
... minded, or the building up and perfecting of the saints. ... we have time and opportunity;
to do good, in every ... to the external part only; but it works inwardly by ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 36 the law established.htm

So Likewise Ye, when Ye Shall have done all those Things
... in repentance, and ought to be established and grow ... faith because of Christ, and
that good works please God ... And this promise saints should know, not that they ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 10 so likewise ye.htm

Of Another Kind of Perverted Men
... saints; and this is the life of all good men, each ... and with goodly behaviour, as
do the saints; and should ... ourselves before the eyes of God in all our works. ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxvii of another kind.htm

Concerning the Martyrs.
... He punishes the ungodly, so does He do good to and ... And those saints who for His sake
have been slain by ... all His words, and holy in all His works." [3026] For ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i concerning the martyrs.htm

Miscellaneous Subjects.
... Saints should be fruitful in good works. ... mind to be subject to principalities and
powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work." Titus 3 ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xvi miscellaneous subjects.htm

Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery.
... This all the saints have wept over and lamented, as St ... more than enough, and will
be given many good works to do ... this purpose, but men stop in these works as if ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt not commit adultery.htm

The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... are saved by Christ alone; but good works are necessarily ... is well pleased and approves
of works which are ... reject, though the memory of the saints is profitable ...
/.../ 55 the second helvetic.htm

Letter xi. --For the Time of Retreat.
... but how good and profitable for the soul is this grace, and the life ... Read the works
of St ... Read especially some of the lives of saints of both sexes that are to ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xi for the time of.htm

The Introduction.
... faith is a thing natural.3. That good works done by ... but can make them live as good
neighboors, they ... to be worshipped; that the relicts of saints should not be ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the introduction.htm