Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "good works" in the Christian faith is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible, where believers are called to live lives that reflect the character and commands of God. The expectation for saints, or believers, to be perfect in good works is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and the evidence of salvation through righteous living.Biblical Foundation The call to perfection in good works is grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus sets a high standard for His followers: "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). This call to perfection is not about achieving sinless perfection in human strength but about striving for maturity and completeness in Christ. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his letters, urging believers to live lives worthy of their calling. In Ephesians 2:10, Paul writes, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life" . Here, Paul emphasizes that good works are not the means of salvation but the evidence of a life transformed by grace. The Role of Faith and Grace The pursuit of perfection in good works is intrinsically linked to faith and grace. In James 2:17, it is stated, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead" . This underscores the belief that genuine faith naturally produces good works. The grace of God empowers believers to live out their faith through actions that reflect His love and righteousness. Titus 2:14 further illustrates this connection: "He 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 redemptive work of Christ purifies believers, enabling them to be zealous for good works as a response to His grace. The Work of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling believers to be perfect in good works. 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 the foundation of good works and are cultivated in the life of a believer through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Philippians 2:13 reassures believers of God's active role in their sanctification: "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose" . This divine assistance ensures that believers are not striving for perfection in their own strength but are empowered by God to fulfill His purposes. The Example of Christ Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of perfection in good works. His life on earth was marked by acts of compassion, healing, teaching, and sacrificial love. In John 13:15, Jesus tells His disciples, "I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you" . Following Christ's example, believers are called to emulate His life of service and obedience to the Father. The Community of Believers The pursuit of perfection in good works is not an individual endeavor but a communal one. Hebrews 10:24 encourages believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds" . The community of faith provides support, accountability, and encouragement as believers strive to live out their calling. In summary, the call for saints to be perfect in good works is a biblical mandate that reflects the transformative power of faith, the enabling grace of God, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Through the example of Christ and the support of the Christian community, believers are equipped to live lives that honor God and serve others. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 13:21Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Trinity All Saints' Day Of Works of Charity Good News 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 Concerning the Martyrs. The Life of God So Likewise Ye, when Ye Shall have done all those Things Resources Why is salvation by works the predominantly held viewpoint? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is faith without works dead? | GotQuestions.org What are the works of the devil in 1 John 3:8? | 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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