Lutherans are sometimes accused of denying that Christians should do good works. The article on new obedience follows on the heels of the articles of faith on justification and the ministry, that I spoke about over the past two days. Now here is the summary of the article of faith entitled New Obedience:

Our Lutheran churches teach that this faith is bound to bring forth good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). It is necessary to do the good works commanded by God (Ephesians 2:10), because of God’s will. We should not rely on those works to merit justification before God. The forgiveness of sins and justification are received by faith. The voice of Christ testifies, “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants, we have only done what was our duty’” (Luke 17:10). The [Church] Fathers teach the same thing. Ambrose says, “It is ordained of God that he who believes in Christ is saved, freely receiving forgiveness of sins, without works, through faith alone.”

This article clearly states that Lutherans do insist on good works. The faith given by the Holy Spirit is a living and active power in our lives, bearing the fruit of good works. We must do good works. God commands them. However, they do not save us. They are always the result of saving faith.

Faith makes the distinction between the worthy and the unworthy because everlasting life has been promised to the justified. If hope would rely upon works, then it would be uncertain, because the works of sinners cannot quiet the conscience. When a person is part of the equation in one's salvation then the saving work of Jesus is rejected as not being enough. However, faith in Jesus as Savior produces sure hope, because it relies upon God's Word and command. The outcome of faith in Jesus is no doubt good works as God's Spirit is active in such a believer.

--Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,