Justification by faith alone • Heidelberg Catechism

62 But why can our good works not be our righteousness before God, or at least a part of it?

62 Because the righteousness which can stand before God's judgment must be absolutely perfect and in complete agreement with the law of God. 1 Whereas even our best works in this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin. 2

63 But do our good works earn nothing, even though God promises to reward them in this life and the next? 1

63 This reward is not earned; it is a gift of grace. 2

64 Does this teaching not make people careless and wicked?

64 No. It is impossible that those grafted into Christ by true faith should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness. 1

Footnotes

Question 62 · Footnote 1

Deuteronomy 27:26

"'Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.' And all the people shall say, 'Amen.'

Galatians 3:10

For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them."

Question 62 · Footnote 2

Isaiah 64:6

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

Question 63 · Footnote 1

Matthew 5:12

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Question 63 · Footnote 2

Luke 17:10

So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"

2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Question 64 · Footnote 1

Matthew 7:18

A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.

Luke 6:43-45

"For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

John 15:5

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.