Good Works: Faith Made Visible

Feature 1 – October 2010 – Grace & Truth Magazine

GOOD WORKS: Faith Made Visible

Christians often talk about the finished work of Christ. The term refers to the work that He came to do at Calvary, to give His life as a sacrifice for lost and guilty sinners. Anticipating that atoning death, Jesus could pray to His Father, “I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do” (Jn. 17:4 KJV ). When He uttered that loud triumphant cry from the cross – “It is finished!” – the work of redemption was complete (Jn. 19:30).

Many different “works” are mentioned in the Bible. For instance, there are “works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19), “works of darkness” (Eph. 5:11), “good works” (Rom. 13:3) and simply “works” (Jas. 2:14). The meaning of each must be determined by its context. In this article we will discover what the Bible has to say only about “good works.”

An Important Distinction
Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians makes an important distinction that is vital for us to grasp at the outset. In explaining Christ’s work of salvation, which gives new life to those who were dead, Paul states, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). Our own works, or efforts, played absolutely no part in our salvation. If they had, we might have grounds to boast. Salvation is undeserved: it is entirely of God’s grace.

However, Paul’s next verse develops this thought of works: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). Literally, we are something God has made, like a work of art. The original Greek word is like the English word “poem.” God has created us anew in Christ Jesus for good works – works of a good character and thus beneficial to others. God’s purpose is that our lives as Christian believers should be lived in the context of good works – that we should be found doing things that are pleasing to Him and helpful to others. Although our efforts played no part in our salvation, and we were not saved by our good works, we are saved for good works.

In his epistle, James explains the relationship between faith and works. By itself faith is invisible to us. If someone’s faith is not practical and visible, on the human level it is unprofitable. Indeed. “faith without works is dead” (Jas. 2:20). James gives two examples from the Old Testament to prove his point. Abraham and Rahab were very different characters, but both were people of faith and both demonstrated their faith by what they did (Jas. 2:21-26).

In practical terms, James tells us that real faith is not just a matter of wishing people well but of caring for the needy – perhaps even providing clothing and food for those who are without (Jas. 2:14-17). Faith in Christ is living, and if it does not display itself in action, it must be questioned whether it is real at all.

First Reference
The first time good works are mentioned in the New Testament is in Matthew 5:16. The Lord Jesus said: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, who is in heaven.” He had been speaking about light. A lamp is not lit to be hidden away but to shine and to help those in darkness. Consequently, His people’s light must shine before men – the light being the “good works” they do. Notice however that the purpose of this light shining is not to result inpraise for the one doing the good works. Rather, those who experience the good works should realize that they are directly connected to God’s working in the life of the individual who did them, and all the glory should be given to Him.

The Lord Jesus Himself is our example in this. Peter, who knew Him well, declared that Jesus “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38) – literally, bestowing benefit upon people. Think of the blind, deaf, lame and sick that were healed. Think of those who experienced kindness from His hand or heard words of comfort and encouragement. These “good works” were done because His Father had sent Him, and they brought glory to the Father. Sadly, at the same time they aroused the hatred of the Jews (Jn. 10:32). Those who follow the Lord Jesus are called “disciples” and should be like their Master. If He did good works, they should do the same.

A Shining Example
In Acts 9 there is the beautiful example of Dorcas, one who followed the Lord, and was “full of good works” (Acts 9:36). The word here translated “good” means beneficial, and we can see how people were helped by what she did. Dorcas had done the very things James had written about, making clothing for needy widows (Acts 9:39). Interestingly, two different words are used to describe the items of clothing – “coats and garments.” Not only did she make outer garments that could be seen and admired, but Dorcas was practical and also made undergarments. Had she done her work to impress, she would only have made the former, not the latter. Many were helped by this dear Christian woman’s demonstration of her faith.

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul wrote about the ministry of Christian women, and twice we learn of the importance of “good works” (1 Tim. 2:10; 5:10). Truly, godly women are those who care for others in practical ways. Even today there are many opportunities for Christian women to engage in “good works” – acts of kindness that glorify their heavenly Father.

Pastoral Challenges
Consider two challenges found in Paul’s pastoral epistles. First, he instructs Timothy concerning the rich. Instead of boasting of their riches and selfishly hoarding them, let the rich recognize that it is God “who giveth us richly all things,” and let them use their riches for Him: “That they do good, that they be rich in goodworks, ready to distribute, willing to share” (1 Tim. 6:18). Rather than just being rich, let them “be rich in good works.” If the Lord has blessed us materially, we should be willing to share with others.

Titus faced a challenge too. In his teaching ministry in Crete he was to be an example to others. Younger men, in particular, might take notice of him, and Titus was therefore to display “a pattern of good works” (Ti. 2:7). Not only was he to engage in a preaching ministry, he was also to live a Christian life. The word translated “good” here means that which is intrinsically good - in other words, good in itself. Indeed, all of God’s people should be “zealous of good works” (Ti. 2:14). Our lives should count for God, and good deeds should play an important part.

What Can We Do?
Three verses challenge us as to what we can do. First, we need to meditate upon the Scriptures themselves. The Word of God is instrumental in making us what we should be, “equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17 NKJV). The Bible teaches us how to live a Christian life – not seeking to please or live for ourselves. We have a responsibility to be like our Master and to live for others.

Second, those who believe in God are instructed to “be careful to maintain good works” (Ti. 3:8). We glorify Him by living beautiful lives. We must not slacken our efforts and become careless, but rather we must be careful that good works should be maintained as we continue to live our Christian lives each day. Of course we will need the Lord’s help in order to please Him, and we must pray and seek His direction in what we do.

Third, the fellowship of other Christians is vital. The exhortation about “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (Heb. 10:25) is often quoted, but the previous verse is perhaps a little less familiar. It states: “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” The Lord Jesus Himself did this. He considered His disciples and encouraged them to follow Him. We too need to think of others and seek, by our example, to encourage them in doing good deeds.

Nothing can add to Christ’s work at Calvary, but if we have obtained benefit from His sacrifice we are eternally indebted to Him. His purpose is that we live for Him daily, seeking to do good in this world, letting our actions show others what God has done in our hearts – all for His glory.

By Martin Girard