Faith is the antecedent condition of justification (Rom. 5:1). Works are not efficacious for acquiring justification (Rom. 3:23f; 5:5).

Regenerate Christians will perform good works (Mt. 7:24-27; Titus 3:8, 14).

Good works are dependent upon the special activity of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:9-14). As Augustine said, “The Spirit of God who acts upon you is the helper of those who act.”

While the Spirit enables good works (Gal. 5:22f), Christians must perform the good works (Mt. 16:27). As Augustine said, “You act and are acted upon.”

Good works are performed through the power of God’s grace (Phil. 2:12-13; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 9:8).

The good works of the redeemed are the fruit of Christ’s death (Titus 2:14).

According to the Westminster Larger Catechism Question 32, “The grace of God is manifested in the second covenant, in that he freely provideth and offereth to sinners a mediator, and life and salvation by him; and requiring faith as the condition to interest them in him, promiseth and giveth his Holy Spirit to all his elect, to work in them that faith, with all other saving graces; and to enable them unto all holy obedience, as the evidence of the truth of their faith and thankfulness to God, and as the way which he hath appointed them to salvation.”[1]

While good works don’t meritoriously cause justification, they are part of the consequent conditions of the order of salvation and the way to eternal life (Prov. 19:16; Mt. 7:21; 25:34-36; Phil. 1:6; Heb. 12:14; 2 Pet. 1:11).

An abundance of good works doesn’t cause justification (Rom. 4;1-8; 5:9, 18; 1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Cor. 5:21) but an abundance of wicked works restricts people from inheriting the Kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:21; Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:6).

Justification by faith alone does not abolish good works but appoints the justified to a life of good works (Lk. 1:74f; Rom. 6:18; Titus 2:11-13; 1 Jn. 4:19; Heb. 9:14).

Good works are profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come (1 Tim. 4:8; 1 Jn. 2:25).

God accepts imperfect but sincere obedience from his children (Rom. 7:14-18; 1 Cor. 5:8; 2 Cor. 2:17; 1 Tim. 1:5; Heb. 13:18). Their good works please God (Rom. 2:6-11; 2 Cor. 5:9; Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 4:1; Heb. 13:21 ), not because they are perfect, but because God blesses those who have faith in Christ (Rom. 14:18; 2 Cor. 8:12; Heb. 6:10; Eph. 1:6; Heb. 13:20f) (WCF 16.6).

Christians are required to perform good works (Rom. 8:13f; Gal. 5:6). It is their duty (Luke 17:10).

God commands good works (Dt. 5:33; 1 Thess. 4:3; 5:12-25; 1 Pt. 1:14-16).

God prepares good works for his people in advance (Eph. 2:10).

Good works are not burdensome (Mt. 11:30; 1 Jn. 5:3).

Good works can be motivated by gratitude (Ps. 50:23; 2 Cor. 9:12f).

Those who abide in Christ (John 15:5) perform good works by faith in Christ (Heb. 11:6), according to God’s divine power (2 Pet. 1:3).

That which James calls works (James 2:14-26), Paul calls fruit (Gal. 5:22f).

Other people see a Christian’s good works and glorify God (Mt. 5:16; Gal. 1:24; 1 Pt. 4:11). In this way good works adorn the gospel of Jesus Christ (Titus 2:9-10).

God is glorified through the good works of Christians (John 15:8; 2 Cor. 9:13).

Good works, especially the love of other Christians, strengthen faith in God (Prov. 14:26; 2 Pt. 1:3; 1 Jn. 4:12f). In Prince Caspian, Lucy tells Aslan, “You’re bigger.” Aslan responds, “That is because you are older, little one.” Lucy says, “Not because you are?” Aslan explains, “I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger.”

A life ready for good works is the result of the gospel of peace (Eph. 6:15) and is a defense against sin (Eph. 6:16).

In contradistinction to Michael Horton,[2] Solomon and the Apostle Paul motivate good works with fear of punishment and hope of reward (Prov. 19:23; Gal. 6:19; Col. 3:6; Heb. 11: 6, 26).

While a lack of good works makes people spiritually blind (2 Pet. 1:9) a life full of good works is a testimony whereby one’s election is made sure (2 Pet. 1:10).

Just as weak faith is accepted by God (Mk. 9:24), so are blemished works accepted by God (Is. 38:3; 2 Cor. 1:12).

Works animate faith (James 2:26).

God rewards the good works of his people (Lk. 19:26; 2 Cor. 9:6) according to his grace rather than a person’s merit (Jn. 15:4-6; Rom. 8:4-14; WCF 16:4-5).

God promises rewards for good works (Acts 20:35; Heb. 11:6) and this leads to cheerful obedience (Heb. 12:2).

People will be judged by their works when Christ returns (Job 34:11; Ps. 62:12; Mt. 16:27; Rom. 2:6; 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:5; 2 Cor. 5:10; Gal. 6:7f; Rev. 2:23; 20:12; 22:12).

[1] See also Matthew 7:21

[2] Michael S. Horton, Putting Amazing Back into Grace: Embracing the Heart of the Gospel (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2002), 80.