I feel like there is confusion sometimes regarding what can be defined as "good works" in that these are thought to be such things as giving to the poor, feeding the hungry ("social justice" issues)...but that obedience to the 10 commandments doesn't really count as a "good work." (I'm speaking in terms of broad Christian and evangelical circles here) And I know this has influenced my thinking in growing up in a non-Reformed home/background in that when I think of "good works," they seem to be these extra-special, extra-good things that we do for our neighbor that are completely other than "day-to-day obedience." (though, of course, we Reformed understand these are all outworkings of the Law)
I don't know if I'm making sense or not. What I'm getting at...is it accurate to say that "good works" are simply obeying the 10 commandments (to their fullest extent)? What I mean is that if we feed the hungry and clothe the poor, we are loving our neighbor and promoting life (the positive aspect of the 6th commandment)....so wouldn't promoting Sabbath-keeping and worshipping God as He requires also be considered "good works"? Would the confusion over terminology be because more-evangelical circles only think of the negative aspects of the Law (what it commands against) without considering the positive aspects of the Law?
I'm just trying to get a correct definition in my mind of what "good works" are...what "good works" men will see we do and then give glory to God in heaven...and what "good works" we were created for. I read through WCF chapter 16 (so please don't respond by just quoting it in its entirety), and it seems the part related to my question is where they said, "These good works, done in obedience to God's commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith" and "Good works are only such as God hath commanded in his holy Word."
Clarification: I'm not talking about the motive, end, purpose, what makes them acceptable, what makes them good, etc of good works. My specific question is related to the ACTS. What are the acts when, done right and for the right end, can be considered "good works"? Is it only giving to the poor, feeding the sick...or does it extend to all the 10 commandments to Biblically be called "good works"? If someone gives a needy person $5, people will call that a "good work"...but nobody ever says that for the person who is keeping the Sabbath or who treats the things of God respectfully, etc. When the Bible says "good works," are the acts themselves simply obedience to the 10 commandments?
I don't know if I'm making sense or not. What I'm getting at...is it accurate to say that "good works" are simply obeying the 10 commandments (to their fullest extent)? What I mean is that if we feed the hungry and clothe the poor, we are loving our neighbor and promoting life (the positive aspect of the 6th commandment)....so wouldn't promoting Sabbath-keeping and worshipping God as He requires also be considered "good works"? Would the confusion over terminology be because more-evangelical circles only think of the negative aspects of the Law (what it commands against) without considering the positive aspects of the Law?
I'm just trying to get a correct definition in my mind of what "good works" are...what "good works" men will see we do and then give glory to God in heaven...and what "good works" we were created for. I read through WCF chapter 16 (so please don't respond by just quoting it in its entirety), and it seems the part related to my question is where they said, "These good works, done in obedience to God's commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith" and "Good works are only such as God hath commanded in his holy Word."
Clarification: I'm not talking about the motive, end, purpose, what makes them acceptable, what makes them good, etc of good works. My specific question is related to the ACTS. What are the acts when, done right and for the right end, can be considered "good works"? Is it only giving to the poor, feeding the sick...or does it extend to all the 10 commandments to Biblically be called "good works"? If someone gives a needy person $5, people will call that a "good work"...but nobody ever says that for the person who is keeping the Sabbath or who treats the things of God respectfully, etc. When the Bible says "good works," are the acts themselves simply obedience to the 10 commandments?
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