{"id":29530,"date":"2025-04-11T09:07:20","date_gmt":"2025-04-11T07:07:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cfcstuttgart.org\/?p=29530"},"modified":"2025-04-11T09:07:21","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T07:07:21","slug":"the-law-and-the-gospel-john-colquhoun-chapter-12-the-nature-necessity-and-desert-of-good-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cfcstuttgart.org\/de\/the-law-and-the-gospel-john-colquhoun-chapter-12-the-nature-necessity-and-desert-of-good-works\/","title":{"rendered":"Das Gesetz und das Evangelium, John Colquhoun, Kapitel 12: Das Wesen, die Notwendigkeit und die Verdienste guter Werke"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary of Chapter 12, \u00a71-2<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since man is saved by grace alone through faith alone, what is the purpose of good works? Are they merely a meaningless endeavor since they do not do <\/em>anything? Colquhoun would answer with a vehement, \u201cNo!\u201d Indeed, good works are a vital and necessary aspect of the Christian life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colquhoun defines good works as \u201csuch actions or deeds as are commanded in the law of God as a rule of life\u201d (245). These works are divided into two categories: works that are materially good and works that are formally good. Material good works are those that agree with the letter of the law. For example, Paul writes in Romans 2:14\u201315<\/a> \u201cFor when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them.\u201d This is due to the law of God being written upon the hearts of man. For examples as to why man is in disobedience to God, see Romans 1:18-32<\/a>. On the other hand, good works that are formally good are those that \u201ccorrespond to the spirit of the holy law\u201d along with materially good works (245). Since man\u2019s chief and highest end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever (WSC 1), and apart from the transformative power of the Spirit in renewing their mind, will, and affections to do that what is pleasing to God, man is unable, by nature, to earn, merit, or deserve salvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n