Heidelberg Catechism: 'But why cannot our good works be the whole or part of our righteousness before God?'
LORD’S DAY 24
62. But why cannot our good works be the whole or part of our righteousness before God?Because the righteousness which can stand before the judgment-seat of God must be perfect throughout and wholly conformable to the Law of God;1 whereas even our best works in this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin.2
1 Deut 27:26; Gal 3:10; 2 Isa 64:6
63. How is it that our good works merit nothing, while yet it is God’s will to reward them in this life and in that which is to come?
The reward comes not of merit,1 but of grace.2
1 Mt 5:12; Heb 11:6; 2 Lk 17:10; 2 Tim 4:7-8
64. But does not this doctrine make men careless and wicked?
No, for it is impossible that those who are grafted into Christ by true faith should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness.1
1 Mt 7:18; Lk 6:43-45; Jn 15:5
