SECOND LONDON BAPTIST CONFESSION (1689), "Of Good Works." OUTLINE for para. 4-5 "The Limitations of Good Works."
PARAGRAPH 4: Works of Supererogation are impossible. Definition: Webster's New World Dictionary says that to supererogate is 'to do more than is required or expected' and says that it means literally, 'to pay back above or beyond what one owes'. It defines works of supererogation as follows: 'In the Roman Catholic Church good works done, as by saints, over and above those commanded by God.' ― Supererogation is impossible because our works are stained by sin. ― Supererogation is impossible because perfect obedience is the expectation.
PARAGRAPH 5: Works of Merit are impossible. "We cannot by our best works merit pardon of sin or eternal life at the hand of God."
--Reason 1: There is a "great disproportion... between them and the glory to come." (Romans 3:20, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 4:6). A: The legalist error misunderstand the correlation between works and reward. B: The antinomian error misunderstands the correlation between works and reward. "When they have done all..." C: Legalism and Antinomianism are connected, and have the same remedy which is the gospel.
--Reason 2: There is an "infinite distance... between us and God."
--Reason 3: "Good works are originated by the Spirit of God." (Galatians 5:22-23).
--Reason 4: "As they are wrought by us they are defiled and mixed with so much weakness and imperfection, that they cannot endure the severity of God's punishment." (Isaiah 64:6).
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.