Works
“Erga, deeds, actions; distinguished as 'works of the law' versus 'good works' or 'works of faith'”
Summary
Scripture distinguishes between 'works of the law' (which cannot justify) and 'good works' (the fruit of faith), teaching that believers are saved by grace through faith unto good works.
☩Works of the Law
Paul uses 'works of the law' to mean the entire performance demanded by the moral law, whether for Jew or Gentile. On the ground of such works—that is, perfect obedience and merit—none can be justified, for 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.' The righteousness that comes by law-keeping is impossible because human sinfulness makes perfect compliance unattainable. This is Paul's sustained argument in Romans and Galatians: justification cannot be earned but must be received as a gift of grace through faith.
☩Good Works and Faith
Good works are altogether different from works of the law—they are the fruits of sanctification by the Holy Spirit. While believers cannot be justified by works, genuine faith inevitably produces good works. James contends against mere intellectual assent devoid of action: faith without works is dead. Paul taught that justification is not by merit but by grace; James taught that saving faith shows itself in obedient living. Both are true: we are saved by grace through faith, and genuine faith works through love.
☩Works and Judgment
Scripture teaches that works will be brought into judgment as evidence of the reality of one's faith. God knows and remembers the works of His people, commending churches for good works and rebuking them for failing. The wicked dead will be judged according to their works. True believers, accepted by grace, may still have unworthy works that will not survive God's judgment, though they themselves are saved. Works reveal whether professed faith is genuine or merely nominal.
Related Verses304 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Works," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Works," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.Chad Brand, Charles Draper, and Archie England (ed.), "Works," in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Holman Bible Publishers, 2003).