The Good Works of the Unregenerate (Chapter 16, Paragraph 6)

“Works done by unregenerate men, although for the matter of them they may be things which God commands…”

This statement opens with an acknowledgement: unbelievers can perform deeds that conform to God’s law. They can be honest in business, show compassion to the poor, uphold justice in society, and display generosity. These actions are often praiseworthy in the eyes of men and outwardly line up with the commandments of God.

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

Indeed, such actions benefit society and may bring personal advantages—health, stability, trust, even happiness. Civil righteousness is real. Societies flourish when people live by God's moral laws—even if they do not consciously submit to Him. God’s common grace restrains evil and enables these public blessings (cf. Matt. 5:45).

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

Here, the Confession makes a vital distinction. Though the actions may be right externally, they lack a proper source. The heart has not been purified by faith. Hebrews 11:6 teaches that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Romans 14:23 adds, “Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” Thus, even a generous gift, if given without faith in God, is spiritually deficient.

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

Not only must the action be right, but the method and means must also align with God’s will. Motives matter. Obedience must be rendered as God commands—not just according to human conscience or cultural norms. For example, giving must be cheerful (2 Cor. 9:7), prayer must be in Jesus’ name (John 14:13), and worship must be in spirit and truth (John 4:24).

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

Ultimately, all true good works aim to glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31). Unregenerate people may pursue self-improvement, social justice, or even spiritual enlightenment, but if the goal is not the exaltation of God's name, the work is not spiritually good. Even noble acts, when divorced from the desire to honor the Creator, are ultimately self-referential and fall short of God's glory (Rom. 3:23).

“…they are therefore sinful and cannot please God…”

This is perhaps the most startling declaration. Even the most outwardly righteous acts of the unbeliever are considered sinful—not because they are evil in themselves, but because they are performed apart from faith, without the Spirit, and not for the glory of God. Isaiah 64:6 declares that “all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.” Moral deeds, when done outside of saving grace, cannot gain divine approval.

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

No amount of effort, no accumulation of virtue, can make a person deserving of saving grace. Grace, by definition, is unmerited. This line rebukes the error of preparationism—the belief that we can prepare ourselves to receive grace by doing good. Romans 9:16 states, “It depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.”

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

Though the works of the unregenerate cannot please God, failing to do what is morally right is still worse. God’s law stands as the standard for all people, regenerate or not. Failing to feed the poor, pursue justice, or speak truth compounds the guilt. The obligation to obey God’s moral law does not wait for regeneration; it binds all humanity. This affirms both the seriousness of sin and the universal need for the gospel.

Application for the Believer:

This paragraph should humble us and fuel our evangelism. First, it reminds us that we cannot trust in our good deeds—even those done after conversion—as the basis for our righteousness. We live by grace alone. Second, it gives clarity when engaging with moral non-Christians. Their virtue may be admirable, but it is not saving. The gospel is not about becoming more ethical; it’s about becoming new in Christ.

So let us never confuse outward morality with spiritual life. Pray for the conversion of those who do good in the eyes of the world yet remain estranged from God. And as believers, let our good works flow from faith, follow God’s Word, and aim for His glory—for only such works are pleasing in His sight.