The Doctrine of Good Works

Christianity Today 2024 Book Award (Academic Theology) 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.