Difference between revisions of "Good Works"

<p> Are those actions which are conformable to truth, justice, or propriety; whether natural, civil, relative, moral, or religious. </p> <p> The circumstances requisite to a good work are, </p> <p> 1. That it be according to the will of God. </p> <p> 2. That it spring from love to God, &nbsp;1 Timothy 1:5 . </p> <p> 3. It must be done in faith, &nbsp;Romans 14:23 . </p> <p> 4. It must be done to the glory of God, &nbsp;1 Corinthians 10:31 . &nbsp;Philippians 1:11 . </p> <p> The causes of good works are, </p> <p> 1. God himself, &nbsp;Hebrews 13:21 . </p> <p> 2. By union to Christ, &nbsp;Ephesians 2:10 . </p> <p> 3. Through faith, &nbsp;Hebrews 11:4; &nbsp;Hebrews 6:1-20 : </p> <p> 4. By the word and Spirit, &nbsp;Luke 8:15 . Is. 3: 3. &nbsp;2 Timothy 3:16 . </p> <p> As to the nature and properties of good works, </p> <p> 1. They are imperfect, &nbsp;Ecclesiastes 7:20 . &nbsp;Revelation 3:2 . </p> <p> 2. Not meritorious, &nbsp;Titus 3:5 . &nbsp;Luke 17:10 . </p> <p> 3. Yet found only in the regenerate, &nbsp;Matthew 7:17 . </p> <p> The necessary uses of good works, </p> <p> 1. They show our gratitude, &nbsp;Psalms 115:12-13 . </p> <p> 2. Are an ornament to our profession, &nbsp;Titus 2:10 . </p> <p> 3. Evidence our regeneration, &nbsp;Job 15:5 . </p> <p> 4. [[Profitable]] to others, &nbsp;Titus 3:8 . </p> <p> See HOLINESS, OBEDIENCE, SANCTIFICATION. Gill's Body of Divinity, book 4: vol. iii; Ridgley's Body of Div. q. 92; Marshall on Sanctification. </p>

<li> Good works have the glory of God as their object; and (3) they have the revealed will of God as their only rule (&nbsp;Deuteronomy 12:32; &nbsp;Revelation 22:18,19 ). <p> Good works are an expression of gratitude in the believer's heart (&nbsp;John 14:15,23; &nbsp;Galatians 5:6 ). They are the fruits of the Spirit (&nbsp;Titus 2:10-12 ), and thus spring from grace, which they illustrate and strengthen in the heart. </p> <p> Good works of the most sincere believers are all imperfect, yet like their persons they are accepted through the mediation of Jesus Christ (&nbsp;Colossians 3:17 ), and so are rewarded; they have no merit intrinsically, but are rewarded wholly of grace. </p> <div> <p> '''Copyright Statement''' These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by [[Thomas]] Nelson, 1897. Public Domain. </p> <p> '''Bibliography Information''' Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Works, Good'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/w/works-good.html. 1897. </p> </div> </li>