Although good works, which are the fruits of faith, and follow after justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of God’s judgment; yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and spring out of a true and lively faith, insomuch that by them a lively faith may be evidently known as a tree is discerned by its fruit.

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This article was written as a supplement to Article Nine to protect against an understanding of faith that rejects the need for holiness. This appears to have arisen from a misunderstanding of the Apostle Paul’s teaching that salvation is achieved through grace by faith alone, eschewing any good deed as a form of self-righteousness. This article asserts that while we love because God loved us first, as we abide in the Lord, the Spirit-filled life becomes clear because of the continual fruit of Righteousness that is produced in and through our lives.

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Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor/group leader.

Psalm 1:1-6 

Psalm 37:1-40 

Matthew 5:1-7:29 

John 15:1-27 

2 Corinthians 4:1-18 (cf. Ephesians 2:8-10) 

Titus 3:1-11 

James 1:1-2:26 

1 Peter 2:11-20

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Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor/group leader.

What does it mean that good works are “the fruit of faith”? 

How is justification and sanctification by faith alone a source of assurance that helps us to live righteous lives and do the good work God has prepared for us? 

What are the benefits in this life that come from doing the good works God has prepared for us?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith? 

Notes: