Good Works

Charles Buck Theological Dictionary

Are those actions which are conformable to truth, justice, or propriety; whether natural, civil, relative, moral, or religious.

The circumstances requisite to a good work are,

1. That it be according to the will of God.

2. That it spring from love to God,  1 Timothy 1:5 .

3. It must be done in faith,  Romans 14:23 .

4. It must be done to the glory of God,  1 Corinthians 10:31 .  Philippians 1:11 .

The causes of good works are,

1. God himself,  Hebrews 13:21 .

2. By union to Christ,  Ephesians 2:10 .

3. Through faith,  Hebrews 11:4;  Hebrews 6:1-20 :

4. By the word and Spirit,  Luke 8:15 . Is. 3: 3.  2 Timothy 3:16 .

As to the nature and properties of good works,

1. They are imperfect,  Ecclesiastes 7:20 .  Revelation 3:2 .

2. Not meritorious,  Titus 3:5 .  Luke 17:10 .

3. Yet found only in the regenerate,  Matthew 7:17 .

The necessary uses of good works,

1. They show our gratitude,  Psalms 115:12-13 .

2. Are an ornament to our profession,  Titus 2:10 .

3. Evidence our regeneration,  Job 15:5 .

4. Profitable to others,  Titus 3:8 .

See HOLINESS, OBEDIENCE, SANCTIFICATION. Gill's Body of Divinity, book 4: vol. iii; Ridgley's Body of Div. q. 92; Marshall on Sanctification.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Good works have the glory of God as their object; and (3) they have the revealed will of God as their only rule ( Deuteronomy 12:32;  Revelation 22:18,19 ).

Good works are an expression of gratitude in the believer's heart ( John 14:15,23;  Galatians 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 ( Colossians 3:17 ), and so are rewarded; they have no merit intrinsically, but are rewarded wholly of grace.

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.

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.