Chapter 16 - On Good Works

Understanding The Westminster Confession of Faith
Chapter 16 - On Good Works

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
James 2:17

There is an old objection against the doctrine of salvation by grace. It is that it does away with the necessity of good works and lowers the sense of their importance. This has been answered a thousand times, but still it is remarked on sometimes by many – they say if men are not saved by works, then works are not necessary.

The objection has no validity. The gospel of salvation by grace shows that good works are necessary. In the scriptural epigraph, James says faith without works is dead, “being alone.” The phrase “being alone” is used here in the sense of “being by itself.” That is, it’s a faith that is destitute of any accompanying fruits or results. It shows that it is dead. Something which is alive produces effects; it makes itself visible; that which is dead produces no effect, and is as if it was non existent.

In John the Baptist’s ministry, when the people came to him for the baptism of repentance, he told them to bring forth “fruits meet (or worthy) for repentance.” Much later, the apostle Paul calls these fruits the “fruits of righteousness,” which are “by Jesus Christ”. And the object of which is the “glory and praise of God.” (Phil 1:11) These kinds of fruits can only be performed by those who abide in Christ – the branch cannot bear fruits of itself.

What are “good works”? It is commonly thought that anything done out of charity or kindness qualifies as a “good work.” But according to the Scripture it is not so. Two requirements are set forth in Scripture in order that a work may be truly “good.” (1) It must be in conformity with the revealed will of God. It must be that which God himself has commanded in his Holy word. (2) It must also spring from a “good conscience.” It must be that which is done with sincerity of heart as an act of service to God.

The WCF makes it clear that works done by an unsaved person, though they may be of good use both to himself and others, but because they do not proceed from a heart purified by faith, nor are done in a right manner(according to the Word), nor to a right end (the glory of God), they are therefore sinful, and cannot please God.

Good works are an expression of gratitude in the believer’s heart (John 14:15, 23; Gal 5:6). They are the fruits of the Spirit (Tit 2:10 – 12), and thus spring from grace, which they illustrate and strengthen in the heart. The good works of sincere believers are all imperfect, yet like their persons they are accepted through the mediation of Jesus Christ (Col 3:17), and are rewarded wholly of grace.

  In Him,
Rev Robert Chew