Topical Encyclopedia The concept of good works is deeply embedded in the Christian faith, serving as a tangible expression of a believer's faith and commitment to God's commandments. The Bible emphasizes that saints, or believers, are called to be fruitful in good works as a reflection of their relationship with Christ and as a testimony to the world.Biblical Foundation The call for believers to be fruitful in good works is rooted in Scripture. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently exhorts Christians to engage in good works as a natural outgrowth of their faith. In Ephesians 2:10 , 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 a preordained path for those who are in Christ. Similarly, in Colossians 1:10 , Paul prays for the Colossian 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." Here, the imagery of bearing fruit suggests that good works are a visible and natural product of a life lived in accordance with God's will. The Role of Faith and Grace While good works are essential, it is crucial to understand their relationship with faith and grace. The Bible makes it clear that salvation is not earned by works but is a gift of grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "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." Thus, good works are not the means of salvation but the evidence of a genuine faith. James 2:17 further elaborates on this relationship: "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This passage highlights that true faith will naturally result in good works, as they are the living proof of a vibrant and active faith. Examples of Good Works The Bible provides numerous examples of what constitutes good works. Acts of charity, kindness, and service to others are frequently highlighted. In Matthew 25:35-36 , Jesus describes the righteous as those who feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and imprisoned. These acts of compassion are seen as service to Christ Himself. Moreover, the early church is depicted as a community devoted to good works. Acts 9:36 mentions a disciple named Tabitha, "who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity." Her life serves as a model for believers to emulate. Empowerment by 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 enable believers to carry out good works effectively and with the right heart. Purpose and Witness Good works serve a dual purpose: they glorify God and serve as a witness to others. 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." This verse emphasizes that good works are not for self-glorification but to direct others to God. In summary, saints are called to be fruitful in good works as a demonstration of their faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and as a means to glorify God and witness to the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 1:10That you might walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Kindness Received Should be Returned with a Freer Hand. ... All Saints' Day All Saints' Day, or St Ursula's Day The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly Knowledge and Obedience. Miscellaneous Subjects. Why all Things Work for Good Nothing but Leaves Of the Ordering of all the virtues through the Seven Gifts of the ... The Righteousness of Works Improperly Inferred from Rewards. 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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