"Truly good works are not self-elected works of monastic or any other holiness, but such only as God has commanded, and as are comprehended within the bounds of one's particular calling, and all works, let their name be what it may, become good only when they flow from faith, the first, greatest, and noblest of good works." (John 6:29.)
The younger Martin Luther.
Luther, Martin (2009-10-04). A Treatise on Good Works (Kindle Locations 84-86). Public Domain Books. Kindle Edition.
Of course John 6:29 clearly says that even our faith is a work of God in us. The good works that save us are the good works of God on our behalf through Jesus Christ. And only the works that follow after faith are pleasing to God, though these works can never withstand the severity of God's judgment. (See Article XII of the Thirty-nine Articles). Even after conversion good works do not serve to justify the believer or vindicate the believer before God whatsoever. Good works merely show to other men and the church that we have a valid profession of faith--nothing more and nothing less (James 2:18; 3:13; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5)
[Note: You can download a Kindle reader for your laptop for free at Amazon.com. This book and several other theological works are available for free download. There are several from Martin Luther's works available for free download. Charlie]
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