Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "good works" is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the outward expression of a believer's faith and the transformative power of God's grace in their lives. In the New Testament, good works are often associated with the life and conduct of the saints—those who are set apart by God and dedicated to His service.Biblical Foundation The Bible emphasizes that good works are not the means of salvation but rather the evidence of a genuine faith. Ephesians 2:8-10 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. 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 passage highlights that while salvation is a gift of grace, believers are created in Christ for the purpose of performing good works. Characteristics of Good Works Good works are characterized by actions that reflect the love, mercy, and righteousness of God. They are the fruit of the Spirit's work within the believer, as described in Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These virtues manifest in the lives of the saints through acts of kindness, charity, and service to others. Examples of Saints Full of Good Works The New Testament provides numerous examples of saints who are full of good works. In Acts 9:36 , we read about Tabitha (also known as Dorcas), a disciple in Joppa who "was always occupied with works of kindness and charity." Her life exemplified the impact of good works on the community and the church. Similarly, in Titus 2:14 , Paul speaks of Jesus Christ, "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." This verse underscores the idea that the saints are not only called to perform good works but are also eager and enthusiastic about doing them. The Role of Good Works in the Life of the Believer Good works serve several purposes in the life of a believer. They glorify God, as seen in Matthew 5:16 : "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." By living a life full of good works, the saints bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel and draw others to Christ. Moreover, good works are a means of edification within the body of Christ. Hebrews 10:24 encourages believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds." This mutual encouragement fosters a community where faith is lived out in practical and tangible ways. Conclusion While good works are not the basis of salvation, they are an essential aspect of the Christian life, reflecting the inner transformation brought about by faith in Christ. The saints, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are called to be full of good works, demonstrating the love and grace of God to the world around them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 9:36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and giving of alms which she did. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Perseverance of the Saints The Whole of that in which we Appear Before God, Justifies Us. But ... Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 33, "Either Make the Tree ... Perseverance of Saints. Of Works of Charity How Pope Gregory Sent Letters and Gifts to King Ethelbert. [601 AD ... Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery. Hebrews x. 19-23 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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