Of Good Works

Chapter 16 confesses that good works are only such as God has commanded in his Holy Word, and not such as without the warrant thereof are devised by men out of blind zeal or upon any pretense of good intention. These good works are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith.

Works do not save. But true faith is never without works. The faith that justifies is the faith that works by love. The Reformed Baptist holds these together without confusion: justification by faith alone, never alone by a working faith.

Even our best works are imperfect and need the cleansing of Christ’s blood. We do not boast of them. But we do them — for they are the path on which we walk with the God who saved us.

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For the full text of this chapter with scripture proofs, see the1689confession.com or Founders Ministries.