Good works

In Christian theology, the term "good works" refers to a person's exterior actions or deeds. These outward behaviors are often discussed in contrast to inner qualities like faith or grace. While faith is an internal belief, works are the tangible things a person does in the world. This distinction is central to how different Christian denominations understand salvation and the life of a believer. Understanding these views helps explain how various traditions interpret the relationship between what a person believes and how they act.

Different traditions view the mechanism of how works interact with faith in unique ways. For Anabaptists, theology emphasizes a "faith that works." They believe that being a disciple involves careful obedience to New Testament commands. This includes specific practices like baptism, communion, the holy kiss, headcovering, and feet washing. They view these actions as crucial evidence that an individual has repented and yielded to Christ. This process is described as a dynamic way for a believer to partake in the nature of Christ. Through this, they aim to live increasingly like Jesus.

Various denominations categorize these actions into different theological roles. In Baptist theology, good works are seen as a consequence of salvation rather than its justification. They serve as a sign of sincere and grateful faith. These works often include evangelism, service within the church, and charity. Conversely, the Catholic Church teaches that both faith and good works are necessary for salvation. The Eastern Orthodox Churches and the Coptic Orthodox Church hold similar views. The Coptic tradition specifically describes works as the fruits of the Holy Spirit and evidence of God's sonship.

History shows how these interpretations have evolved over many centuries. In the Anglican tradition, views have shifted between Protestant and Catholic perspectives. The historic Thirty-nine Articles of 1571 stated that people are made righteous through the merit of Jesus Christ by faith alone. However, the 19th-century Oxford Movement re-incorporated a broader understanding of justification. In 1841, the publication of "Tracts for the Times" offered a commentary on these articles. It suggested that while faith is the internal instrument of justification, outward instruments like Baptism are also significant.

Lutheran theology provides another specific historical framework for understanding these deeds. The Augsburg Confession teaches that repentance consists of contrition and faith. Good works are then viewed as the fruit of this repentance. Lutherans believe that a Christian declines in sin and inclines toward virtue. They also teach that God rewards the good works done by Christians. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession notes that while eternal life goes with faith, works merit bodily and spiritual rewards. This is linked to the idea that each person will receive wages according to their labor.

Methodist theology, founded by John Wesley, offers a detailed view of how works relate to holiness. Methodists believe in justification by faith, but they use the term to mean the pardon of sins. The actual process of being made righteous is called sanctification. Wesley taught that keeping the Ten Commandments and engaging in works of piety and mercy were indispensable. This leads to a progressive growth in grace toward Christian maturity. Methodist doctrine suggests that true, saving faith will naturally result in good works over time.

These different perspectives connect to broader theological debates regarding the nature of belief. Some theologians use the Epistle of James to argue that works are evidence of true faith versus false faith. There is also discussion regarding how the views of Augustine of Hippo in the fifth century influenced these debates. While some groups, like the Reformed tradition, hold to the principle of "sola fide" or faith alone, others see a deep necessity in the pursuit of holiness. These varied views show how the concept of good works remains a central part of Christian thought and practice.