Good Works, or Faith Alone?

[Jimmy_B]

“Good Works”, are doing those things which are pleasing to God or the “Fruits of the Holy Spirit” : love, joy, charity, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control and so on… And, the Seven Sacraments flow from those “Fruits”, Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick, which mean they are also “good works”. The act of prayer and asking for forgiveness can also be consider, “good works” and “fruits of the Holy Spirit“…

If we are “Saved by Faith Alone” , or “Once Saved Always Saved” (OSAS) after be “Born-Again”, what would be the need for any “acts“ or “ceremonies“ like baptism or marriage?

Jesus set the example -

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened (for him), and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove (and) coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom** I am well pleased**.”

Matthew 3:13-17

“a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law . . . not by faith alone . . . for faith apart from works is dead . . . but faith working through love” (Rom. 3:28, Jas. 2:24, 26, Gal. 5:6).

Council of Trent, On Justification, Ch. VIII
When the Apostle says that man is justified by faith and freely, these words are to be understood in that sense in which the uninterrupted unanimity of the Catholic Church has held and expressed them, namely, that we are therefore said to be justified by faith, because faith is the beginning of human salvation, the foundation and root of all justification, “without which it is impossible to please God” and to come to the fellowship of His sons; and we are therefore said to be justified gratuitously, because none of those things that precede justification, whether faith or works, merit the grace of justification. For, “if by grace, it is not now by works, otherwise,” as the Apostle says, “grace is no more grace.”

The Council also reiterated the relationship of good works to man justified by faith.

Council of Trent, On Justification, Ch. XVI
Therefore, to men justified in this manner, whether they have preserved uninterruptedly the grace received or recovered it when lost, are to be pointed out the words of the Apostle: “Abound in every good work, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. For God is not unjust, that he should forget your work, and the love which you have shown in his name”; and “Do not lose confidence, which hath a great reward.” Hence, to those who work well “unto the end” and trust in God, eternal life is to be offered, both as a grace mercifully promised to the sons of God through Christ Jesus, and as a reward promised by God himself, to be faithfully given to their good works and merits…

Your thoughts? Are the Sacraments “Good Works”?

 

[Mayita30]

I believe FAITH WITH WORKS is important for man’s salvation. Faith without WORKS is DEAD FAITH. There should be a balance between the two that is what the Catholic Church teaches

 

[SteveVH]

Good works are faith in action. Faith without good works is no faith at all.

 

[AtticusFinch]

The Bible is clear that Faith alone is not enough. The Bible is clear is Works is not enough. Works AND faith are needed for Salvation.

 

[JonNC]

“Good Works”, are doing those things which are pleasing to God or the “Fruits of the Holy Spirit” : love, joy, charity, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control and so on… And, the Seven Sacraments flow from those “Fruits”, Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick, which mean they are also “good works”. The act of prayer and asking for forgiveness can also be consider, “good works” and “fruits of the Holy Spirit“…

If we are “Saved by Faith Alone” , or “Once Saved Always Saved” (OSAS) after be “Born-Again”, what would be the need for any “acts“ or “ceremonies“ like baptism or marriage?

Jesus set the example -


The Council also reiterated the relationship of good works to man justified by faith.

Your thoughts? Are the Sacraments “Good Works”?

Of course they are good works - they are God’s good works - the means of Grace, sanctifying Grace. And the regenerate respond to Grace by seeking out word and sacrament.

The term “faith alone”, properly understood, is applied only to how we come to justification.

From the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification

In faith we together hold the conviction that **justification is the work of the triune God. **The Father sent his Son into the world to save sinners. The foundation and presupposition of justification is the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ. Justification thus means that Christ himself is our righteousness, in which we share through the Holy Spirit in accord with the will of the Father. Together we confess: By grace alone, in faith in Christ’s saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping and calling us to good works

vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_31101999_cath-luth-joint-declaration_en.html

But as Martin Luther said, there is no justification without santification. And it is in our sanctification that we respond to Grace by being obedient to Christ’s commands that we do good works. A living, saving faith is made evident by good works. It is supported, strengthened, and sustained by hearing the word and receiving the Sacraments.

From the Formula of Concord:

1. We believe, teach, and confess also that all men, but those especially who are born again and renewed by the Holy Ghost, are bound to do good works.

9] 4. In this sense the words necessary, shall, and must are employed correctly and in a Christian manner also with respect to the regenerate, and in no way are contrary to the form of sound words and speech.

10] 5. Nevertheless, by the words mentioned, necessitas, necessarium, necessity and necessary, if they be employed concerning the regenerate, not coercion, but only due obedience is to be understood, which the truly believing, so far as they are regenerate, render not from coercion or the driving of the Law, but from a voluntary spirit; because they are no more under the Law, but under grace, Rom. 6:14; 7:6; 8:14.

11] 6. **Accordingly, we also believe, teach, and confess that when it is said: The regenerate do good works from a free spirit, this is not to be understood as though it is at the option of the regenerate man to do or to forbear doing good when he wishes, and that he can nevertheless retain faith if he intentionally perseveres in sins. **

[bookofconcord.org/fc-ep.php#IV. Good Works.](http://www.bookofconcord.org/fc-ep.php#IV. Good Works.)

One cannot retain saving faith if one intentionally perseveres in sin, and being disobedient to His will is sin.
Do good works save us? No. Grace through faith in Christ saves us, but the regenerate are bound to do good works, in obedience to His will.

1. Yet this is not to be understood otherwise than as the Lord Christ and His apostles themselves declare, namely, regarding the liberated spirit, that it does not do this from fear of punishment, like a servant, but from love of righteousness, like children, Rom. 8:15.

Jon

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Perhaps a mature spirituality is expected in Protestantism? Why do we need to do good works just to earn salvation? Can’t we do them BECAUSE we’re justified and want to please God? I always take good care of my mom. I pick her up, visit her all the time, pick up things I think she might need or want, call her on the phone, pray for her, go places with her, and try to be a good son. I never did drugs, smoked, rebelled, lied to her, and I tried to be dutiful. Did I do it because it would benefit me or did I do it because I cherish and love her and thank her for her motherhood?

Do we only do good works because we want salvation and because without them we’ll perish or do we do them not for salvation’s-sake but because we wish to thank, love, please, and cherish God in reaction to the bountiful gifts He’s laid at my feet?

If we get to the point we believe a punishment-merit approach only to doing good works is necessary and leads to libertinism, isn’t that immature spirituality? It’s like teaching my sons and daughter here that if they don’t do nice things for me and impress me and live the life I want for them I won’t love them and I’ll disown them and they’ll turn to mush? Being a good parent is about modelling, being no-nonsense and having boundaries, but showing kindness, mercy, patience, and open arms when they fail…which kids tend to do a lot! This is true in my classroom. I have to be forgiving, open-armed, caring, and be a good role model before I punish and focus on what happens when you don’t do what I want.

We should do good works not because it’ll further our agenda or make God think more highly of our spiritual estate, but because we wish to please Him for the work HE accomplished. We’re all too quick to want to share in the credit of the Cross sometimes I think.

 

[JonNC]

Perhaps a mature spirituality is expected in Protestantism? Why do we need to do good works just to earn salvation? Can’t we do them BECAUSE we’re justified and want to please God? I always take good care of my mom. I pick her up, visit her all the time, pick up things I think she might need or want, call her on the phone, pray for her, go places with her, and try to be a good son. I never did drugs, smoked, rebelled, lied to her, and I tried to be dutiful. Did I do it because it would benefit me or did I do it because I cherish and love her and thank her for her motherhood?

Do we only do good works because we want salvation and because without them we’ll perish or do we do them not for salvation’s-sake but because we wish to thank, love, please, and cherish God in reaction to the bountiful gifts He’s laid at my feet?

If we get to the point we believe a punishment-merit approach only to doing good works is necessary and leads to libertinism, isn’t that immature spirituality? It’s like teaching my sons and daughter here that if they don’t do nice things for me and impress me and live the life I want for them I won’t love them and I’ll disown them and they’ll turn to mush? Being a good parent is about modelling, being no-nonsense and having boundaries, but showing kindness, mercy, patience, and open arms when they fail…which kids tend to do a lot! This is true in my classroom. I have to be forgiving, open-armed, caring, and be a good role model before I punish and focus on what happens when you don’t do what I want.

We should do good works not because it’ll further our agenda or make God think more highly of our spiritual estate, but because we wish to please Him for the work HE accomplished. We’re all too quick to want to share in the credit of the Cross sometimes I think.

We do good works for our fellow man, not out of fear of punishment, but instead because Him who did so much for us - He who loved us while we were still in our sin. Christ said we are to love the Lord our God, and our neighbors as ourselves. How can we say we love Him, if you don’t care for the least of His children?

Jon

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Like in our classrooms as a parallel…if we only passed the kids who did good work, I’d have the same class every year! with the exception of about 8 kids each year! LOL

We do good works for our fellow man, not out of fear of punishment, but instead because Him who did so much for us - He who loved us while we were still in our sin. Christ said we are to love the Lord our God, and our neighbors as ourselves. How can we say we love Him, if you don’t care for the least of His children?

Jon

 

[DavidKays]

Good works can save if they are done in Christ’s name. For Our Lord said if you give a cup of water in my name you will not lose your reward. The posters here have given an excellent answer even our Lutheran brother and I will like to add that the Eastern Church has also given much thought to this and Her Saints like St.Seraphim of Russia have written what I believe is an excellent interpretation to what may be discussed here. Good works done in Christ’s name says St.Seraphim confer on us the Grace of the Holy Spirit. Good works or virtues done not in Christ’s name may not. The Saint will explain that the main purpose in life is to receive the Holy Spirit. Praying, fasting, ect… are only tools to enable you to attain Him. One way to describe this was to interpret the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. He mentioned that the lack of oil in the foolish virgins was due to the lack of the Holy Spirit. Were they virtuous yes because of their virginity. But why did they lack the Holy Spirit. Because says the Saint they did not trade the correct way for they accomplished good deeds without Christ so that they did not receive the Grace of the Holy Spirit. Good deeds can be good deeds but if they are done as the Saint said in your own name and not Our Lord Jesus they will not confer the Grace of the Holy Spirit in your soul. Thus your oil is lacking. Notice I said done in your name because some have done good deeds and are not Christian but they do it not in their own name. Those who do it in their own name are looking for a reward. Those who do good deeds in another name are not looking for a reward yet God will reward them. I am thinking here of the prostitute who hid the jewish spies in her city in the book of Joshua and God rewarded her good deed by saving her. For those done in their own name have received already their reward but not from God. But done in Christ’s name even a glass of water will confer the Grace of the Holy Spirit. This is where the difference is made says the saint. Good deeds are good deeds no matter when they are done but done in Christ’s name they confer a greater grace than imaginable, it is the Gift of the Holy Spirit which Our Lord says to those who give in His Name the promise they will not lose their reward. Their lamps will be full of oil. Trade as much as you can says the Saint for by trading in Christ’s Name the Grace of the Holy Spirit will be given to you. God Bless!

 

[TriuneUnity]

If a man feels in his heart the assurance that what he has done is acceptable to God, the work is good, if it were merely the lifting up of a straw; but if he have not this assurance, his work is not good, even should he raise the dead. A heathen, a Jew, a Turk, a sinner, can perform all the other works; but to trust firmly in God, and to feel an assurance that we are accepted by him, is what a Christian, strong in grace, alone is capable of doing.

A Christian who possesses faith in God does everything with liberty and joy; while the man who is not at one with God is full of care and kept in bondage; he asks himself with anguish how many works he should perform; he runs to and fro; he questions this man and that; he nowhere finds peace, and does everything with sorrow and fear.

Consequently, I have always extolled faith. But in the world it is otherwise. There, the essential thing is to have many works – works high and great, and of every dimension, without caring whether they are quickened by faith. Thus, men build their peace, not on God’s good pleasure, but on their own merits, that is to say, on sand. (Matthew 7:27.)

To preach faith (it has been said) is to prevent good works; but if a man should posses the strength of all men united, or even of all creatures, this sole obligation of living in faith would be a task too great for him ever to accomplish. If I say to a sick man: ‘Be well, and thou shalt have the use of thy limbs,’ will any one say that I forbid him to use his limbs? Must not health precede labour? It is the same when we preach faith: it should go before works, in order that the works themselves should exist.

Where then, you will say, can we find this faith, and how can we receive it? This is in truth what it is most important to know. Faith comes solely from Jesus, who was promised and given freely.

Faith is a living, bold trust in God’s grace, so certain of God’s favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it. Such confidence and knowledge of God’s grace makes you happy, joyful and bold in your relationship to God and all creatures. The Holy Spirit makes this happen through faith. Because of it, you freely, willingly and joyfully do good to everyone, serve everyone, suffer all kinds of things, love and praise the God who has shown you such grace. - Bl. Martin Luther

 

[JonNC]

Good works can save if they are done in Christ’s name. For Our Lord said if you give a cup of water in my name you will not lose your reward. The posters here have given an excellent answer even our Lutheran brother and I will like to add that the Eastern Church has also given much thought to this and Her Saints like St.Seraphim of Russia have written what I believe is an excellent interpretation to what may be discussed here. Good works done in Christ’s name says St.Seraphim confer on us the Grace of the Holy Spirit. Good works or virtues done not in Christ’s name may not. The Saint will explain that the main purpose in life is to receive the Holy Spirit. Praying, fasting, ect… are only tools to enable you to attain Him. One way to describe this was to interpret the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. He mentioned that the lack of oil in the foolish virgins was due to the lack of the Holy Spirit. Were they virtuous yes because of their virginity. But why did they lack the Holy Spirit. Because says the Saint they did not trade the correct way for they accomplished good deeds without Christ so that they did not receive the Grace of the Holy Spirit. Good deeds can be good deeds but if they are done as the Saint said in your own name and not Our Lord Jesus they will not confer the Grace of the Holy Spirit in your soul. Thus your oil is lacking. But done in Christ’s name even a glass of water will confer the Grace of the Holy Spirit. This is where the difference is made says the saint. Good deeds are good deeds no matter when they are done but done in Christ’s name they confer a greater grace than imaginable, it is the Gift of the Holy Spirit which Our Lord says to those who give in His Name the promise they will not lose their reward. Their lamps will be full of oil. Trade as much as you can says the Saint for by trading in Christ’s Name the Grace of the Holy Spirit will be given to you. God Bless!

A Lutheran would say that one cannot do any good deed without first being regenerate - being justified by Grace through faith in Christ. So, yes, the foolish virgins lacked the Holy Spirit (justification), so their good works or lack there of wasn’t relevent. The wise virgins were prepared (sanctification) because the Holy Spirit was in them (justification).
Good works are the work of the Holy Spirit within us, and while obedience requires we do good works, we can claim no merit toward salvation for them.

Jon

 

[DavidKays]

I guess Jon we are saying the same thing. I really do not understand words like justification so I will leave that up to you. The Orthodox tend not to use big words so forgive me for not understanding some concepts that the West tend to deal with. I think basically we are saying the same thing. The only difference I noticed is that in the East we tend to think of the Holy Spirit as someone we need to grow with so that there is no end to receiving Him. This is taught in the East. I do not know about exactly what Catholics and Lutherans teach but the Orthodox while respecting the teachings of the West tend not to go using if I can say heavy words which may or may not help the laity to understand. She tends to deal with the laity in terms they can relate to and that is why Her Saints use the language they do. In the final analysis we are probably agreeing anyway but using different terminology. the East been more simplistic and the West more defined. God Bless!

 

[JonNC]

I guess Jon we are saying the same thing. I really do not understand words like justification so I will leave that up to you. The Orthodox tend not to use big words so forgive me for not understanding some concepts that the West tend to deal with. I think basically we are saying the same thing. The only difference I noticed is that in the East we tend to think of the Holy Spirit as someone we need to grow with so that there is no end to receiving Him. This is taught in the East. I do not know about exactly what Catholics and Lutherans teach but the Orthodox while respecting the teachings of the West tend not to go using if I can say heavy words which may or may not help the laity to understand. She tends to deal with the laity in terms they can relate to and that is why Her Saints use the language they do. In the final analysis we are probably agreeing anyway but using different terminology. the East been more simplistic and the West more defined. God Bless!

We do, too. We would call it sanctification. I think you are basically right. It is interesting how east and west speak in different ways.

Jon

 

[Newbie2]

A Lutheran would say that one cannot do any good deed without first being regenerate - being justified by Grace through faith in Christ. So, yes, the foolish virgins lacked the Holy Spirit (justification), so their good works or lack there of wasn’t relevent. The wise virgins were prepared (sanctification) because the Holy Spirit was in them (justification).
Good works are the work of the Holy Spirit within us, and while obedience requires we do good works, we can claim no merit toward salvation for them.

Jon

Jon, can you elaborate on that a bit? For example, an athiest is still capable of doing a good work, no?

 

[JonNC]

Jon, can you elaborate on that a bit? For example, an athiest is still capable of doing a good work, no?

Of course, all kinds of people can do good works, as measured by earthly standards.

Jon

 

[Marc_Anthony]

Here is an excellent post on the subject by Matthew Warner of fallible blogma.

I encourage all here to read fallible blogma, it’s a fantastic website.

fallibleblogma.com/index.php/catholics-on-faith-and-works-clarified/

In the end, Protestants and Catholic PROBABLY have a similar idea of faith and works.

Anyway, I encourage all who think we need faith alone to read the secton on faith and works in the letter of James. The only time the words “faith alone” appear in the Bible they’re preceeded by the words “not by”.

 

[Jimmy_B]

From the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification

In faith we together hold the conviction that **justification is the work of the triune God. **The Father sent his Son into the world to save sinners. The foundation and presupposition of justification is the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ. Justification thus means that Christ himself is our righteousness, in which we share through the Holy Spirit in accord with the will of the Father. Together we confess: By grace alone, in faith in Christ’s saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping and calling us to good works

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

**Justification **

****[CCC 1987](javascriptpenWindow(‘cr/1987.htm’)
The grace of the Holy Spirit has the power to justify us, that is, to cleanse us from our sins and to communicate to us “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ” and through Baptism:34
But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. For we know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves as dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.35
**[CCC 1988](javascriptpenWindow(‘cr/1988.htm’)
**Through the power of the Holy Spirit we take part in Christ’s Passion by dying to sin, and in his Resurrection by being born to a new life; we are members of his Body which is the Church, branches grafted onto the vine which is himself:36
[God] gave himself to us through his Spirit. By the participation of the Spirit, we become communicants in the divine nature. . . . For this reason, those in whom the Spirit dwells are divinized.37
**[CCC 1989](javascriptpenWindow(‘cr/1989.htm’)
**The first work of the grace of the Holy Spirit is conversion, effecting justification in accordance with Jesus’ proclamation at the beginning of the Gospel: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."38 Moved by grace, man turns toward God and away from sin, thus accepting forgiveness and righteousness from on high. "Justification is not only the remission of sins, but also the sanctification and renewal of the interior man.39
**[CCC 1990](javascriptpenWindow(‘cr/1990.htm’)
**Justification detaches man from sin which contradicts the love of God, and purifies his heart of sin. Justification follows upon God’s merciful initiative of offering forgiveness. It reconciles man with God. It frees from the enslavement to sin, and it heals.
**CCC 1266
**The Most Holy Trinity gives the baptized sanctifying grace, the grace of justification:

• enabling them to believe in God, to hope in him, and to love him through the theological virtues;
• giving them the power to live and act under the prompting of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of the Holy Spirit;
• allowing them to grow in goodness through the moral virtues.
  Thus the whole organism of the Christian’s supernatural life has its roots in Baptism.
  **CCC 2016
  **The children of our holy mother the Church rightly hope for the grace of final perseverance and the recompense of God their Father for the good works accomplished with his grace in communion with Jesus. Keeping the same rule of life, believers share the “blessed hope” of those whom the divine mercy gathers into the “holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
• Other CCC sections for word search, “Justification” found here

 

[Jimmy_B]

Here is an excellent post on the subject by Matthew Warner of fallible blogma.

I encourage all here to read fallible blogma, it’s a fantastic website.

fallibleblogma.com/index.php/catholics-on-faith-and-works-clarified/

In the end, Protestants and Catholic PROBABLY have a similar idea of faith and works.

Anyway, I encourage all who think we need faith alone to read the secton on faith and works in the letter of James. The only time the words “faith alone” appear in the Bible they’re preceeded by the words “not by”.

Marc Anthony,
That is an excellent article!
Thank you.

 

[Fisher]

Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.”

“NOT BY WORKS of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Titus 3:5).

This Bible verse makes it plain and simple that good works will not save anyone.

How many Scriptures does God need to put in front of our face before we get the idea—salvation is not by merit. “Knowing that a man is NOT JUSTIFIED BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and NOT BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW: for BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW SHALL NO FLESH BE JUSTIFIED” (Galatians 2:16).

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions!!! The plain teaching of the Inspired Word of God is that salvation is NOT BY WORKS. You just read the Scriptures for yourself.

God Loves you He does not want to see any one go to Hell !!!

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE" (2nd Peter 3:9).

To be saved, one must turn in faith to Christ alone, believing on Him for the forgiveness of sins. Acts 20:21 speaks of “repentance TOWARD GOD.”

You can put all the faith in Christ you want, it means nothing if you’re in denial about your sins… “If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1st John 1:10).

Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Salvation is NOT found in a religion or good works, but in a Person… The LORD JESUS CHRIST!

1st John 4:19 declares, “We love him, because He first loved us.”

 

[KathleenGee]

The Sacraments are not works. The Sacraments are concrete forms of Jesus Christ.