The old objection against the doctrine of salvation by grace, that it does away with the necessity of good works, and lowers the sense of their importance (Rom. 6), although it has been answered a thousand times, is still alleged by many. They say if men are not saved by works, then works are not necessary. If the most moral of men are saved in the same way as the very chief of sinners, then good works are of no moment. And more than this, if the grace of God is most clearly displayed in the salvation of the vilest of men, then the worse men are the better. The objection has no validity. The gospel of salvation by grace shows that good works are necessary. It is true, unchangeably true, that without holiness no man shall see the Lord. "Neither adulterers, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards" shall inherit the kingdom of God. Works are "good" only when, (1) they spring from the principle of love to God. The moral character of an act is determined by the moral principle that prompts it. Faith and love in the heart are the essential elements of all true obedience. Hence good works only spring from a believing heart, can only be wrought by one reconciled to God (Eph. 2:10; James 2:18:22). (2.) Good works have the glory of God as their object; and (3) they have the revealed will of God as their only rule (Deut. 12:32; Rev. 22:18, 19). Good works are an expression of gratitude in the believer's heart (John 14:15, 23; Gal. 5:6). They are the fruits of the Spirit (Titus 2:10-12), and thus spring from grace, which they illustrate and strengthen in the heart. Good works of the most sincere believers are all imperfect, yet like their persons they are accepted through the mediation of Jesus Christ (Col. 3:17), and so are rewarded; they have no merit intrinsically, but are rewarded wholly of grace.
The primary focus of Sunday school was on the sins we might commit, rather than the good works we might perform.
One day, he would like to see an atheist network capable of good works and charity on the scale of established religions.
Dungy, who is an evangelical Christian, turned his life to good works after he retired from NFL coaching in 2008.
As a result of these good works, Chibok gained local prominence.
Well known for his inability to say no to worthy causes, Palmer has always been a whirlwind of good works.
We just want to help them perform the good works they choose and help others to profit by their example.
She instructs in good works; who gives the friendship lessons?
They had made a fortress of religion--had buried themselves in the cloister, in self-sacrifice, in good works--or even in bad.
Like Dorcas of Joppa, "she was full of good works and alms deeds."
She spent her life in good works, and cared nothing for dress, or food, or pleasure.
