We still need to do good works, even though we have been redeemed by Christ, for several reasons:
- To show that our lives may show love and gratitude to God
- To assure ourselves of our faith by our fruits
- So that by our godly behavior, others may be won to Christ
Justification, sanctification, and glorification are all done through God’s grace.
One justified, we need trained by God’s training grace.
Acting out sanctification adorns God’s crown.
grace given, spirit enabled effort in Biblical modes of sanctification
Necessity of Christian works Good works are how we pursue our new desires. Desires shift from the physical to the spiritual. If we want to be more like Christ, we do that by works. A greater love changes behavior.
Expulsive power of a new affection - a sermon to research
The Mortification of Sin
Godly things need to be a greater love than worldly things for good things to be done.
- I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Is this legalism? Am I doing this if I want to do it, or out of a love of Christ, or to merit salvation.
Self control - when your desires don’t match intellect
You don’t act with your desires if intellect says no. It’s biblical
Good works effect better evangelism It points others to Christ. We must be distinct to shine in the darkness.
The world is filled with sinners. The church is full of repenting sinners.
An assurance of faith More work shows that the grace of the Holy Spirit is working in me. On simple reassures me.
The avenue of Christian joy
- If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
- I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
- Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.