Good works proceed from saving faith; faith that does not bear fruit is not saving faith (see James 2:19). James 2:24 is talking about works as fruit and evidence of saving faith, not meritorious works that save us. In fact, James reminds us what kind of perfection is required in order for our works to merit salvation: “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it” (James 2:10).
Thus, if you want to boast in your works, or even in your work of faith, James reminds us that you must keep every point of the law, since even one miss justifies our condemnation for the entire law (see Gal. 5:3-4). And there is only one man who kept the law perfectly, the man Christ Jesus (Heb. 4:15). Read more»Daniel Rowlands, “Are Good Works Good Enough?” October 21, 2020.
RESOURCES
- How To Subscribe To Heidelmedia
- Brakel: It Is Contrary To The Reformed Confession To Say Justification Is Acquired By Good Works
- Perkins: We Exclude Good Works From The Act Of Justification And Salvation
- The Reasons Christians Do Good Works
- Saved Through Good Works?
R. Scott Clark
R.Scott Clark is the President of the Heidelberg Reformation Association, the author and editor of, and contributor to several books and the author of many articles. He has taught church history and historical theology since 1997 at Westminster Seminary California. He has also taught at Wheaton College, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Concordia University. He has hosted the Heidelblog since 2007.
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