What does the Bible say about good works?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that good works are the grateful fruit of saving faith, prepared by God for his people, not the basis on which they are justified before him. Ephesians 2:8-10 holds grace, faith, and works together: salvation is God’s gift, yet believers are created in Christ for lives of obedience. Jesus calls his disciples to let their light shine so that God receives glory (Matthew 5:16). James insists that genuine faith does not remain barren but expresses itself in mercy and action (James 2:14-18, 26). Christians therefore work heartily for the Lord, persevere in doing good, and share with others, trusting God’s promised inheritance (Colossians 3:23-24; Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 13:16).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Matthew 5:16
Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
- Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
- James 2:14-17
[14] What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? [15] And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, [16] and one of you tells them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled;" and yet you didn't give them the things the body needs, what good is it? [17] Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself.
- Ephesians 2:8-9
[8] for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, [9] not of works, that no one would boast.
- James 2:26
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.
- Colossians 3:23-24
[23] And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
- Hebrews 13:16
But don't forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
- James 2:18
Yes, a man will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.
- Galatians 6:9
Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don't give up.
- John 6:28-29
[28] They said therefore to him, "What must we do, that we may work the works of God?" [29] Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."
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