Lord’s Day 24
Text: CRC/RCA 2011 · Read it at the source
Q. 62 Why can’t our good works be our righteousness before God, or at least a part of our righteousness?
Because the righteousness which can pass God’s judgment must be entirely perfect and must in every way measure up to the divine law. But even our best works in this life are imperfect and stained with sin.
Scripture proofs
- 1
- Rom. 3:20; Gal. 3:10 (Deut. 27:26)
- 2
- Isa. 64:6
Q. 63 How can our good works be said to merit nothing when God promises to reward them in this life and the next?1
This reward is not earned; it is a gift of grace.
Scripture proofs
- 1
- Matt. 5:12; Heb. 11:6
- 2
- Luke 17:10; 2 Tim. 4:7-8
Q. 64 But doesn’t this teaching make people indifferent and wicked?
No. It is impossible for those grafted into Christ through true faith not to produce fruits of gratitude.
Scripture proofs
- 1
- Luke 6:43-45; John 15:5