Doctrine of Good Works, The: Reclaiming a Neglected Protestant Teaching

Winner in the Academic Theology category of Christianity Today’s 2024 Book Awards

In Titus, Paul says Christ redeemed a people “zealous for good works.” Despite this declaration and others like it, the doctrine of good works has fallen on hard times in contemporary Protestant theology and practice. At best, it’s neglected–as in most systematic theologies and in too much church teaching. At worst, it’s viewed with suspicion–as a threat to salvation by grace alone through faith alone.

In this important work addressing a significant gap in current theological literature, the authors argue that by jettisoning a doctrine of good works, the contemporary church contradicts historical Protestantism and, more importantly, biblical teaching. They combine their areas of expertise–exegesis, systematic and historical theology, and practical theology–to help readers recover and embrace a positive doctrine of good works. They survey historical Protestant teaching to show the importance of the doctrine to our forebears, engage the scriptural testimony on the role of good works, formulate a theology of salvation and good works, and explore pastoral applications.

224 pages.

Contents:

Introduction: Recovering an Essential Doctrine
1. Truly Good and Actually Necessary: Good Works in Protestant Theology
2. The Greatest Commandments Announced: Good Works in the Old Testament
3. The Greatest Commandments Fulfilled: Good Works in the New Testament
4. Holiness as Love of God and Love of Neighbor: Toward a Theology of Good Works
5. The Working Church: Case Studies in Living Faith
6. Strategic Pastoral Leadership: Toward Valuing Works in the Local Church
Conclusion: United with Christ, Filled with the Spirit, Zealous for Good Works
Indexes