"[Christ] gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works" (Titus 2:14).

"And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised" (2 Cor. 5:15).

So good works are not merely a consequence of being forgiven for one's wayward past, but also reflect the comprehension of a new and blessed calling looking forward. And God desires that we undertake good works not tepidly, but with zeal, for he is glorified (John 15:8) and we find joy (John 15:11) in the doing!

Because of the way God created us (Genesis 1) and re-created us (Eph. 2:10), doing good works with a generous spirit is fundamentally fulfilling and rewarding! Indeed, “It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

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Is it only in pardoning a lifelong criminal that he becomes prepared and willing to live an upright and productive life? Of course not.

It seems to me that for someone to be fruitful in doing good works, he will need to —

• know what good works are — as a result of being told (Micah 6:8), Christ’s example (1 Peter 2:21), “training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:6), and “practice” (Heb. 5:14).

• have incentive to do good works — with gratitude for God’s grace in Christ, respect for God’s stature and authority, an appreciation for the blessings that accrue as his commands are followed, a sense of godly calling, a sanctified conscience, an awareness of rewards both experienced and promised, the gentle nudging of fellow believers (Heb. 10:24), etc.

• have the ability to do good works — because of God’s gifts (Romans 12:6, 2 Peter 5:1-11).

• have the opportunity to do good works — as for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:35-40).