Catechism Question 36
Can our own works contribute anything to our acceptance before God?
No, they can not, because even our best efforts and works are defiled by sin, and because everything necessary to salvation is found in Christ. To seek salvation through good works is a denial that Christ is the only Redeemer and Savior.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question, we continue to explore the idea that we are saved by Christ alone through faith alone. It shows that salvation is completely separate from our own works. We are not saved by faith plus some of our works. Our works contribute nothing to our acceptance before God.
Note that there are two reasons that our works do not contribute to our acceptance before God. First, they can not contribute because they are all defiled by sin. To be acceptable to God, they must be perfect, and even our best works are marred by sin, and therefore they can not contribute to our acceptance by God. Second, there is no need for anything other than the works of Jesus. He has done everything necessary for our salvation. To try and add anything to His perfect work is a denial of the sufficiency of Christ for salvation.
Additional Questions:
Are our own works part of our being saved by Jesus?
Can my works add to what Jesus has done for me?
Scripture References:
Galatians 3:10–14
All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11 Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
Philippians 3:7–9
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.
Ephesians 2:8–9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Galatians 2:15–16
We who are Jews by birth and not ‘Gentile sinners’ 16 know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.
Galatians 2:20–21
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!
Galatians 5:3–4
Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
Questions for Further Discussion:
Even though we are accepted before God because of Christ, and we receive this through faith, can’t our good works make us more acceptable to God?
If we think that our works add even a little to our standing before God, what does that say about the sufficiency of the work of Christ for us?
Why does Paul say that if we think our works contribute to our justification we are obligated to obey the whole law?
Why does thinking that our works add to our justification place us under the curse of the law?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 62 of the Heidelberg Catechism, and question 33 of the New City Catechism. Any resources you find on the Heidelberg or New City Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teachings “Sola Gratia – Saved Because of Grace Alone” (October 8, 2017); “Solus Christus – Saved By Christ Alone” (October 15, 2017); “Sola Fide – Justified By Faith Alone” (October 22, 2017); “Justification By Faith Alone” (February 6, 2005); “Our Confidence In Christ – Holding On To the Gospel” (April 6, 2008).
Suggested Worship Song:
Yet Not I, But through Christ In Me (by Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, Michael Farren)
Verse 1
What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer
There is no more for heaven now to give
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace
Refrain 1
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to his
Oh how strange and divine, I can sing: all is mine!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Verse2
The night is dark but I am not forsaken
For by my side, the Saviour He will stay
I labour on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need, His power is displayed
Refrain 2
To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley He will lead
Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Verse 3
No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven
The future sure, the price it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave
Refrain 3
To this I hold, my sin has been defeated
Jesus now and ever is my plea
Oh the chains are released, I can sing: I am free!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Verse 4
With every breath I long to follow Jesus
For He has said that He will bring me home
And day by day I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne
Refrain 4
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat:
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Refrain 4
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat:
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Tag
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat:
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!