Heidelberg Catechism

LORD’S DAY 24

Question 62: But why cannot our good works be the whole or part of our righteousness before God?

Answer: Because that the righteousness, which can be approved of before the tribunal of God, must be absolutely perfect, and in all respects conformable to the divine law;1 and also, that our best works in this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin.2

Question 63: What! Do not our good works merit, which yet God will reward in this and in a future life?

Answer: This reward is not of merit, but of grace.3

Question 64: But doth not this doctrine make men careless and profane?

Answer: By no means: for it is impossible that those, who are implanted into Christ by a true faith, should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness.4

_______________

1 Gal. 3:10, For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Deut. 27:26, Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.

2 Isa. 64:6, But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

3 Luke 17:10, So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

4 Matt. 7:17–18, Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

John 15:5, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.