Role of Good Works in Sanctification and Love for God
The Role of Good Works in Sanctification and Love for God
Good works play a significant role in the process of sanctification and are closely tied to a believer's love for God. The biblical foundation for this concept is rooted in passages such as Ephesians 2:10, which states that believers are "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them" [2]. This verse highlights the idea that good works are not merely a human endeavor but are instead a divine initiative, with God preparing and enabling believers to perform them.
The relationship between good works and sanctification is multifaceted. Sanctification is understood as the process by which believers are set apart for God's service and made holy. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, sanctification "involves more than a mere moral reformation of character, brought about by the power of the truth: it is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the whole nature more and more under the influences of the new gracious principles implanted in the soul in regeneration" [1]. Good works are a natural outflow of this process, as believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Different Christian traditions have nuanced understandings of the role of good works in sanctification. The Catholic tradition, as represented by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, emphasizes that good works are a necessary aspect of the Christian life, flowing from the sacraments and faith [7]. In contrast, Protestant traditions, such as those represented by the Augsburg Confession, affirm that good works are necessary but emphasize that they are a result of faith and the work of the Holy Spirit, rather than a means of earning salvation [6].
The Reformed tradition, as seen in the commentary of John Calvin, highlights that good works are a fruit of the believer's union with Christ and are done for the glory of God [3]. Similarly, Charles Hodge's Systematic Theology emphasizes that good works are a natural consequence of sanctification, demonstrating the believer's growth in holiness [4].
The patristic tradition also underscores the importance of good works. Augustine, in his work On the Holy Trinity, notes that faith is a gift from God and that good works will naturally follow from genuine faith [5].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Sanctification — Involves more than a mere moral reformation of character, brought about by the power of the truth: it is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the whole nature more and more under the influences of the new gracious principles implanted in the soul in regeneration. In other words, sanctification is the carrying on to perfection the work begun in regeneration, and it extends to the whole man (Rom. 6:13; 2 Cor. 4:6; Col. 3:10; 1 John 4:7; 1 Cor. 6:19). It is the special office of the Holy Spirit in the plan of redemption to carry on this work (1 Cor. 6:1”
- Ephesians “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them. -- Ephesians 2:10”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 5.7: works. Hence he desires that they may be fruitful in good works for the glory of God. Such fruits, he says, are by Christ, because they flow from the grace of Christ. For the beginning of our well-doing is, when we are sanctified by his Spirit, for he rested upon him, that we might all receive of his fullness. ( John 1:16 .) And as Paul here derives a similitude from trees, we are wild olive-trees, ( Romans 11:24 ,) and unproductive, until we are ingrafted into Christ, who by his living root makes us fruitbearing tr”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 33: § 4. The Fruits of Sanctification, or Good Works. Their Nature. The fruits of sanctification are good works. Our Lord says “A good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a 232 corrupt tree bring forth good fruit, For every tree is known by his own fruit: for of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.” ( Luke vi. 43, 44 .) By good works, in this connection, are meant not only the inward exercises of the religious life, but also outward acts, such as can be seen and appreciated by others. There ”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 3: Augustine — On the Holy Trinity — CHAP. 31.--FAITH ITSELF IS THE GIFT OF GOD; AND GOOD WORKS WILL NOT BE WANTING IN THOSE WHO BELIEVE.: And lest men should arrogate to themselves the merit of their own faith at least, not understanding that this too is the gift of God, this same apostle, who says in another place that he had "obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful,"(7) here also adds: "and that not 248 of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."(1) And test it should be thought that good works will be wanting in those who believe, he adds fur”
- Augsburg Confession (Lutheran) “Augsburg Confession (Lutheran, 1530), 27 Furthermore, it is taught on our part that it is necessary to: 27 Furthermore, it is taught on our part that it is necessary to do good works, not that we should trust to merit grace by them, but because it is the will of God. 28 It is only by faith that forgiveness of sins is apprehended, and that, for nothing. 29 And because through faith the Holy Ghost is received, hearts are renewed and endowed with new affections, so as to be able to bring forth good works. 30 For Ambrose says: Faith is the mother of a good will and right doing. 31 For man’s powers”
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (Catholic) “Catechism of the Catholic Church, Part One:: Part One: the Profession of Faith 14 Those who belong to Christ through faith and Baptism must confess their baptismal faith before men.16 First therefore the Catechism expounds revelation, by which God addresses and gives himself to man, and the faith by which man responds to God (Section One). the profession of faith summarizes the gifts that God gives man: as the Author of all that is good; as Redeemer; and as Sanctifier. It develops these in the three chapters on our baptismal faith in the one God: the almighty Father, the Creator; his Son Jesus”