To a Life of True Faith

Q. But what are good works? 

Only those which are done out of true faith,

John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 

Romans 14:23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. 

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

in accordance with the law of God,

Leviticus 18:4 ‘You shall observe My judgments and keep My ordinances, to walk in them: I am the LORD your God. 

1 Samuel 15:22 Then 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 heed 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.

and to His glory,

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

and not those based on our own opinion or on precepts of men.

Deuteronomy 12:32 Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it. 

Isaiah29:13 Therefore the LORD said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men,” 

Ezekiel 20:18-19 

• But I said to their children in the wilderness, “Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers, nor observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols. 
• I am the LORD your God: Walk in My statutes, keep My judgments, and do them;” 

Matthew 15:7-9 

• Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 
• “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 
• And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

The Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 33