Distinguishing the Law and Works

[mawst]

I’m running into an increasing trend of protestant argumentation which seems to conflate Works of the Law and “good deeds”.

I’m looking for suggestions in making distinctions between the two. Obviously the problem is the whole anti-works theology of protestantism.

I’m not interested in works vs faith debate, but merely the distinction between Works of the Law and Meritorious Works.

Thanks in advance, and God bless.

 

[ChrisRedfield47]

ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/WORK-LAW.HTM
matt1618.freeyellow.com/gal3.htm#Gal.%203:10%20-%20Deuteronomy%2027:26

 

[DavidFilmer]

When Paul refers to the “law,” he is talking about the Torah (the Jewish counterpart to the Scriptures which spells out how a Jew ought to live). This was the “law” according to all Jews (he was surely not speaking of the Roman legal system - the only other “law” that he lived under).

He never argues that the “works of the law” are evil or wrong. In fact, he argues that they are naturally ordered to ALL people of good will (both Jews and gentiles).

When Gentiles, who do not possess the law, do instinctively what the law requires, these, though not having the law, are a law to themselves. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, to which their own conscience also bears witness; and their conflicting thoughts will accuse or perhaps excuse them on the day when, according to my gospel, God, through Jesus Christ, will judge the secret thoughts of all. [Romans 2:14-16]

And this is a GOOD THING. The gentiles do not understand the letter of the law (the Torah), but they understand it’s heart and intent. They know what is right and what is wrong, and gentiles of good will perform good works which are motivated by charity and not simply by legalism and obligation.

Paul is not putting down good works. He is only saying that our good works should be motivated by our sincere charity, and not from some legal obligation.

 

[mawst]

Thanks for the response. I will study this subject at length. Other replies welcomed as well!

 

[Bookcat]

Pope Benedict XVI on Paul and Faith and Works

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2008/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20081119_en.html

vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2008/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20081126_en.html (begins second paragraph)

and earlier one vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20061108_en.html