Question #91

Question 91. But what are good works?
Answer: Only those which proceed from a true faith (a), are performed according to the law of God (b), and to his glory (c); and not those based on our own opinion, or on human tradition (d).

(a) Romans14:23: But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

(b) Leviticus 18:4: You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the LORD your God.
1 Samuel 15:22: And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
and to listen than the fat of rams.
Ephesians 2:10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

(c) 1 Corinthians.10:31: So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

(d) Deuteronomy.12:32: “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.
Ezekiel.20:18-19: “And I said to their children in the wilderness, Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers, nor keep their rules, nor defile yourselves with their idols. I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and be careful to obey my rules.
Isaiah 29:13: And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men.
Matthew 15:7-9: You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:
“‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

For your personal reflection:
Good works are the fruit of faith.  And, while they cannot address the problem of our sin, or gain us favor with God, the Christian, having been made new by the Holy Spirit does please God by acting according to the faith now resident within.
What is the difference between good works done pre-conversion and post-conversion?
What three elements define good works from a Christian point of view?  Why are these necessary?