Good works
Christian views on works, faith, and salvation vary.
In Christian theology, good works (or simply works) are a person’s outward actions and deeds, as opposed to inner qualities like grace or faith. Different Christian denominations have distinct teachings on how these works connect to faith and salvation.
**Anabaptist denominations** stress that after becoming a believer, faith must be active and produce visible results. They teach that salvation comes through faith by grace, but that such faith must show itself in repentance, conversion, obedience, and a life dedicated to loving God and neighbor, empowered by the Holy Spirit. For Anabaptists, obedience to Jesus and New Testament commands—such as loving others, living at peace, and walking in holiness—are signs of being saved. They hold that faith without works is dead, citing James 2:26. In this tradition, justification is seen as an ongoing process in which the believer shares in Christ’s nature and is enabled to live more like Jesus. Hutterite theologian Peter Riedemann explained that salvation is in Christ, who frees people from the devil’s power and sin. Through Christ dwelling in the believer by faith, sin is weakened and removed, allowing the person to live for righteousness. Careful obedience to New Testament practices—like the holy kiss, baptism, communion, headcovering, and feet washing—is considered crucial evidence of repentance, belief, and surrender to Christ.
**Anglican churches** contain both Protestant and Catholic perspectives. On the Protestant side, the historic Thirty-nine Articles state that people are accounted righteous before God only through the merit of Jesus Christ, received by faith, not by works. Some Anglican churches still require clergy to affirm these Articles, while others do not. Bishop John Wordsworth explained that this faith is not dead but living, naturally leading to good works just as a good tree bears good fruit. On the Catholic side, the 19th-century Oxford Movement argued that justification by faith is the internal instrument of justification, but not the only instrument. They held that baptism can also be an instrument (as the outward means of conveying justification), and that works have a role. In this view, faith asks for justification, baptism conveys it, and newness of heart is its life. Faith working by love is seen as the seed of divine graces that will flourish in this life and fully in the next. In 2017,
- field
- Christian theology
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- Debate over the role of works in salvation across denominations
Lore & Background
Anabaptist denominations teach that after becoming a believer, faith must bear visible fruit in repentance, conversion, and obedience, and that faith without works is dead. They see good works as crucial evidence of salvation, with justification beginning a dynamic process enabling the believer to live like Jesus. Anglican tradition includes both Protestant and Catholic perspectives: the Thirty-nine Articles affirm justification by faith alone, but some Anglicans also affirm the necessity of sacraments and works. The Oxford Movement re-incorporated a broader understanding, holding that faith is the sole internal instrument of justification while baptism and works also play roles.
Reader's Guide
The concept of good works is central to Christian soteriology, with significant divergence among traditions. Anabaptists emphasize a faith that works, where obedience and holiness are earmarks of the saved. Anglicans contain both Protestant and Catholic views, with some affirming justification by faith alone and others also requiring works and sacraments. Baptists see good works as the consequence, not the cause, of salvation. The Catholic Church teaches that both faith and good works are necessary for salvation, citing James 2:17 and Matthew 25:40. Eastern Orthodox Churches view faith and good works as a unified whole, both necessary for salvation. Lutheran Churches teach that good works are the fruit of repentance and characteristic of the regenerated. These differences reflect ongoing theological disputes about the relationship between grace, faith, and human action.
Did You Know?
- Anabaptist theology emphasizes 'a faith that works' and that 'faith without works is a dead faith' (James 2:26).
- The Anglican Thirty-nine Articles state that believers are accounted righteous before God only for the merit of Christ by faith, not for works.
- The Catholic Church teaches that good works are necessary for salvation, citing Matthew 16:27 and James 2:17.
- Eastern Orthodox Churches view faith and good works as a total unit, both required for salvation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are 'good works' in Christian theology?
In Christian theology, good works refer to a person's outward, observable actions and deeds, as opposed to internal spiritual qualities like faith or grace. They represent the practical, visible expression of a believer's inner life.
How do different Christian denominations view the role of good works in salvation?
Christian denominations hold distinct positions on how works connect to faith and salvation. Some stress that works are a necessary visible fruit of genuine faith, while others emphasize receiving salvation by faith alone. This disagreement is one of the most prominent theological debates across Christianity.
What is the difference between good works and faith?
Good works are the external actions a person performs, whereas faith is an internal trust and belief directed toward God. The central theological tension is whether works merely demonstrate faith or whether they independently contribute to a person's salvation.
Why is the debate over good works significant in Christian theology?
The question of whether good works play a role in salvation has shaped denominational divisions and ongoing theological discussion throughout Christian history. It touches on core questions about divine grace, human effort, and the nature of being saved.
What do Anabaptist denominations specifically teach about good works?
Anabaptists hold that salvation comes through faith by grace, but that genuine faith must produce visible, active results in a believer's daily life. They emphasize repentance, obedience, and dedicated love toward God and neighbor as evidence of the Holy Spirit's empowering work.
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