Good Works and Unbelievers (Chapter 16, Paragraph 3)

“Their works, although for the matter of them they may be things which God commands…”

Here we recognize that even unregenerate people may do what is outwardly commanded in God’s law—giving to the poor, showing kindness, promoting justice. These are externally righteous acts. The “matter” of the deed may conform to God’s moral law.

“…and of good use both to themselves and others…”

Many such works are undeniably beneficial. A philanthropist who provides clean water, an unbelieving parent who raises a child with love and discipline, or a non-Christian scientist who develops life-saving medicine—all these are of good use in temporal, societal terms. Civil virtue is a real thing, and in common grace, God restrains evil and allows goodness to flourish for the benefit of all (Matt. 5:45).

“…yet because they proceed not from a heart purified by faith…”

Here lies the heart of the matter. God looks not only at the act, but at the heart. Unbelievers lack a regenerate heart, and thus their good deeds do not proceed from faith. Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” The Pharisees were outwardly moral, but Jesus rebuked them for their hypocrisy and self-glory. The best works, absent a purified heart, fall short of divine approval.

“…nor are done in a right manner according to the Word…”

Right actions must be done in the right way. A person might give generously but do so from pride, guilt, or personal gain. Others may uphold justice but do so selectively or with self-righteous motives. God has not left us to guess what pleases Him—He has revealed His will in Scripture. The manner matters.

“…nor to a right end, the glory of God…”

This strikes at the core of Christian ethics. 1 Corinthians 10:31 instructs us: “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Unbelievers cannot intend to glorify God in their works because they have not submitted to Him by faith. Their ultimate goal is not His praise, but their own interest, moral philosophy, or cultural values.

“…they are therefore sinful…”

This may sound harsh, but it is consistent with biblical theology. Isaiah 64:6 says that “all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment” apart from grace. The sin lies not in the deed itself, but in the source and intent. Even seemingly noble acts are sinful when they are not done in faith and for God’s glory.

“…and cannot please God…”

This reiterates Hebrews 11:6 again. Pleasing God requires a new heart and faith in Christ. Morality without regeneration is like a lamp without oil—its glow cannot reach heaven.

“…nor make a man meet to receive grace from God.”

Here the confession denies any notion of preparationism or semi-Pelagianism. No one earns grace. Grace, by definition, is unmerited favor. Romans 9:16 makes it clear: “It depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” Even the best efforts of man cannot bring him one step closer to being “fit” for salvation.

“…yet their neglect of them is more sinful and displeasing to God.”

This closing line affirms that unbelievers are still morally obligated to obey God's law. The fact that their good works are not saving does not excuse their lawlessness. Sin is increased, not diminished, by ignoring the demands of God’s revealed will. Not doing what is right is a greater offense than doing it with wrong motives.

Application for the Believer:

Do you trust in your good works, or in Christ? If you are in Christ, your works—though imperfect—are pleasing to God because they flow from a heart renewed by grace. But if you are outside of Christ, even your most virtuous acts are insufficient. Let this sober truth drive you to the gospel. Only through Christ are our works sanctified and accepted. For the believer, this paragraph encourages humility: we contribute nothing to our justification. Let your works spring from faith, be done according to Scripture, and aim for the glory of God. Anything less, however praised by men, will not endure.