Good Works Defined by God (Chapter 16, Paragraph 1)

“Good works are only such as God has commanded in His Holy Word…”

This is the key to understanding good works biblically. Not all that seems good is good in God’s eyes (Matt. 7:22–23). He alone defines what pleases Him.

“…and not such as without the warrant thereof are devised by men out of blind zeal, or upon any pretense of good intentions.”

Works done from human tradition or religious zeal—apart from God’s command—are not truly good (Col. 2:20–23). Good motives do not sanctify disobedience.

Application for the Believer:

Evaluate your good works by Scripture, not by culture, emotion, or man-made religion. God is not impressed with self-made piety or works done apart from faith. Ask: Am I doing this because God commands it? Is it done in faith and for His glory? A life of good works flows from grace and is sustained by the Spirit—not by self-effort. You were created in Christ for good works (Eph. 2:10), not to earn salvation but to reflect it. Walk in obedience to God’s Word and serve others as an offering of love to Christ, whose grace enables every good work you do.