Works, Good Are those actions which are conformable to truth, justice, or propriety; whether natural, civil, relative, moral, or religious.
The circumstances requisite to a good work are,
1. That it be according to the will of God.
2. That it spring from love to God, 1 Timothy 1:5.
3. It must be done in faith, Romans 14:23.
4. It must be done to the glory of God, 1 Corinthians 10:31. Php_1:11 .
The causes of good works are,
1. God himself, Hebrews 13:21.
2. by union to Christ, Ephesians 2:10.
3. Through faith, Hebrews 11:4; Hebrews 1:6-20:
4. by the word and Spirit, Luke 8:15. Is. 3: 3. 2 Timothy 3:16.
As to the nature and properties of good works,
1. They are imperfect, Ecclesiastes 7:20. Revelation 3:2.
2. Not meritorious, Titus 3:5. Luke 17:10.
3. Yet found only in the regenerate, Matthew 7:17.
The necessary uses of good works,
1. They show our gratitude, Psalms 1:115-13.
2. Are an ornament to our profession, Titus 2:10.
3. Evidence our regeneration, Job 15:5.
4. Profitable to others, Titus 3:8.
See HOLINESS, OBEDIENCE, SANCTIFICATION. Gill's Body of Divinity, book 4: vol. iii; Ridgley's Body of Div. q. 92; Marshall on Sanctification.