The Imperfection and Acceptance of Good Works (Chapter 16, Paragraph 4)

“Nevertheless, notwithstanding the persons of believers being accepted through Christ…”

This opening clause lays the foundation. The believer is already accepted by God, not based on his works but because he is in Christ (Eph. 1:6). Union with Christ secures our status before God. Before we ever perform a single work, we are justified, adopted, and loved. Our acceptance is grounded in Christ’s perfect obedience and sacrifice, not our own efforts.

“…their good works also are accepted in Him…”

God not only accepts us in Christ, but also our works. Though they are imperfect, God looks upon them with favor—not because they are flawless, but because they are offered by those whom He has redeemed. Just as a father receives a crayon drawing from his child—not for its artistic merit but for the love it expresses—so our heavenly Father receives our good works through Christ.

“…not as though they were in this life wholly unblameable and unreprovable in God's sight…”

Here, the confession guards against perfectionism. No believer’s works are perfect. Even our best efforts are mingled with weakness, distraction, pride, or incomplete obedience. Romans 7 reminds us of the struggle between the desire to do good and the reality of sin that still dwells within. Psalm 130:3 declares, “If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?”

“…but that He, looking upon them in His Son, is pleased to accept and reward that which is sincere, although accompanied with many weaknesses and imperfections.”

This is the heart of the paragraph—and a source of deep assurance. God sees our good works through the lens of His Son. He does not expect sinless obedience from fallen creatures; rather, He delights in sincere obedience. When our hearts long to honor God, even if our execution falters, He accepts the offering. Hebrews 13:16 reminds us, “Do not neglect to do good… for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” It is the sincerity of faith and the grace of Christ that render our works acceptable.

Moreover, God rewards our good works—not because we’ve earned anything, but because He graciously chooses to crown His own work in us. In Matthew 10:42, Jesus promises that even a cup of cold water given in His name will not go unrewarded. These rewards are not wages but gifts of grace.

Application for the Believer:

Do you struggle with discouragement in your spiritual efforts? Perhaps your quiet times feel dry, your prayers weak, your service unnoticed. Take heart. God is not looking for flawless performance but faithful, sincere obedience. He knows your frame and remembers you are dust (Ps. 103:14). He sees the hidden labor, the unspoken prayers, the quiet sacrifices. And through Christ, He is pleased with them.

So do not delay good works until you feel “worthy.” You never will be. But Christ is worthy—and He has made you accepted. Offer your obedience to God with humility, trusting that He will receive it, refine it, and reward it—not because it is perfect, but because it is sincere and offered in Christ.

Let this truth free you from both pride and despair. From pride, because your works are never pure enough to merit acceptance on their own. From despair, because in Christ, your works are truly accepted. Walk forward in faith, doing the will of God with joy, knowing that nothing done for the Lord is ever in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).