Good Works

[Hackett]

Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

What is your definition of good works? Is it intentional good deeds? Is it purposful actions of another type? This may have been discussed before...if so.. I doapologize.

 

[heymikey80]

First cut -- I'd probably start there. Paul probably didn't mean "good works" in any cryptic way -- just the effects of the New Man that Paul describes in Chapters 4 & 5.

 

[Canuckmom]

I can't find the reference anymore, but I read a definition of good works that went something like this: Works done according God's Word, for His glory and the good of others. I would think our daily exercise of faith and repentance and prayer, Bible reading etc would also be included.

 

[hlaltimus]

Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

What is your definition of good works? Is it intentional good deeds? Is it purposful actions of another type? This may have been discussed before...if so.. I doapologize.

It's right before our eyes, "...created in Christ Jesus for good works,"
Well, what were the "good works" of Christ our example then? Surely whatever those good works were in Him are also binding upon us as, "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." - I John 2:6 Excepting supernatural works of signs and wonders which attested to Christ's revelatory mission as the Prophet of the Lord, all else is left within the pale of our own responsible duty. Jesus supernaturally distributed food to the hungry...We may do the same thing in an ordinary, common fashion. Jesus supernaturally healed the sick...We may pray for the sick, drive them to the doctor or even contribute to their cost for their treatment. Jesus forgave sinners by way of substitutionary redemption...We may forgive sinners likewise but by way of personal, non-vindictive release. Jesus offered up hope for the hopeless...We also can extend the gospel hope to the kind of people that you'd last think would ever respond to that offer. Go ahead, give it a try! If you will only walk in the Spirit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the same miraculous power will follow your ministry all of the days of your life. It may not be a work of visibly miraculous works, but it will be the same miraculous power of works and that will count more than you could ever imagine.

 

[DocNH]

Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

What is your definition of good works? Is it intentional good deeds? Is it purposful actions of another type? This may have been discussed before...if so.. I doapologize.

Basically, the same power that created us in Christ Jesus empowers us to do "the" good works. Good works are evidence of true salvation. Righteous attitudes and actions proceed from a transformed life (2 Cor. 9:8; 2 Tim. 3:17; Tit. 2:14; Phil. 2:12–13). Moreover, when these verses are seen in thier context (God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them), James 2:17-26 become more clear – as without works there is no evidence of true salvation.

So what are the works themselves? Any work revealing a true relationship with Christ. Since these works were “prepared beforehand” then these are “relationship works” for God's glory alone. I like what Hodge says, "Before our new creation these works were in the purpose of God prepared to be our attendants, in the midst of which we should walk."

As Hendriksen states,

Though good works are a divine preparation, they are at the same time a human responsibility. These two must never be separated. If salvation can be illustrated by the figure of a flourishing tree, then good works are symbolized not by its roots nor even by its trunk but by its fruit. Jesus requires of us fruit, more fruit, much fruit (John 15:2, 5, 8). He said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, with me abiding in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” To bear much fruit and to walk in good works is the same thing. When a certain occupation has the love of a man’s heart, he is “walking” in it. Note: walk in them, no longer in “trespasses and sins” (verses 1, 2).

Sincerely,
Doc

 

[larryjf]

Good works are works that are done through faith in Christ.

They are works that are done out of love for God and our neighbor.

 

[GodsGirlSajida]

This is very interestng , are there any books you could recomend to study into this?

 

[larryjf]

This is very interestng , are there any books you could recomend to study into this?

Holiness by Grace is a good one...
http://www.covenantseminary.edu/bookstore/product_detail.asp?Product=371