Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 16 Section 3
This section of the confession teaches us
1) The Christian’s ability to do good works is not of himself but only of the Holy Spirit who dwells in him
2) The Spirit’s constant influence in the believer
3) We should not neglect good works if we don’t “feel something”
4) We must be diligent in stirring up the grace of God in us.
John 15:5 Jesus says “without me you can do nothing”
God saves us and empowers us to do good works. “Jesus says As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 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.”
As we grow in maturity in the faith, we realize God empowers us to do good works. He conforms our heart and mind to a right attitude so that we desire to do his will, do what he commands. When we do something good, we realize it is of God and God’s spirit that has empowered us.
So the question arises: What if I don’t feel God’s spirit? Should I not do something?
The confession speaks directly against this. In most instances it is our laziness and sinfulness that brings up this issue. As Christians, our desires, our feelings will conform to God’s desires… and we will want to do what is right, what is good, what is just… and when we see ourselves getting lazy, slothful, negligent… it is a sign we are not as spiritual as we think we are. In some ways, the way we view work is an indicator of our spirituality.
God saves us to bear fruit, to do good works. This is from the Spirit of God. Let us then seek the Spirit of God.
3. Their ability to do good works is not at all from themselves, but entirely from the Spirit of Christ. And—in order that they may be enabled to do these things—besides the graces believers have already received, there must also be an actual influence of the same Holy Spirit working in them both to will and to do God’s good pleasure. This truth, however, should not cause believers to become negligent, as though they were not bound to perform any duty without a special moving of the Spirit; rather, they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them.
Related posts:
- Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 16, Section 5
- Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 11, Section 2
- Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 18, Section 4
Tags: good works