The Relation of Good Works to Justification
This article by Rodney Kleyn expounds Lord's Day 24 of the Heidelberg Catechism, demonstrating the proper relationship between good works and justification in Reformed theology. The author establishes that while good works are essential fruit of salvation, they have no part in justifying the believer before God, whose justice demands perfect righteousness found only in Christ. Through addressing common objections, Kleyn clarifies how the doctrine of justification by faith alone both preserves God's honor and necessarily produces a life of grateful obedience.
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; and also, that our best works in this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin. 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...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org