Heidelberg Catechism - Lord's Day 24

Lord's Day 24

Question 62. But why cannot our good works be the whole, or part of our righteousness before God?
Answer. Because, that the righteousness, which can be approved of before the tribunal of God, must be absolutely perfect, and in all respects [a] conformable to the divine law; and also, that our best works in this life are all imperfect and [b] defiled with sin.

Question 63. What! do not our good works merit, which yet God will reward in this and in a future life?
Answer. This reward is not of merit, but of grace. [c]

Question 64. But doth not this doctrine make men careless and profane?
Answer. By no means: for it is impossible that those, who are implanted into Christ by a true faith, should not bring forth fruits of [d] thankfulness.

A Brief Topical Index to the
Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day

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Scriptural Proof

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. Gal. 3:10;

Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deut. 27:26

But we are all as an unclean thing , and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isa. 64:6

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Luke 17:10

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Mat. 7:17,18;

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

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Lord's Day 24 Question 62. But why cannot our good works be the whole, or part of our righteousness before God? Answer. Because, that the righteousness, which can be approved of before the tribunal of God, must be absolutely perfect, and in all respects [a] conformable to the divine law; and also, that our best works in this life are all imperfect and [b] defiled with sin. Question 63. What! do not our good works merit, which yet God will reward in this and in a future life? Answer. This reward is not of merit, but of grace. [c] Question 64. But doth not this doctrine make men careless and profane? Answer. By no means: for it is impossible that those, who are implanted into Christ by a true faith, should not bring forth fruits of [d] thankfulness.			A Brief Topical Index to the Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day Lord's Day # Our Only Comfort and its Enjoyment The Knowledge of our Misery by the Law The Source of our Misery, not by Creation but by the Fall, and its Extent The Justice of God and the Necessity of Satisfaction and Atonement The Way of Satisfaction, not by any mere Creature The Mediator We Need, Jesus Christ Saved by Christ of Grace though True Faith The Triune God God the Father, Creation The Providence of God Jesus the Complete Savior Christ's Anointing and Ours in Him The Only Begotten Son, Our Lord The Birth of Christ, our Mediator Jesus Suffering an Accursed Death Jesus' Death, Burial, and Hellish Agony Jesus' Resurrection Jesus' Ascension to Glory Jesus' Exalted Glory and Coming to Judge The Holy Ghost The Church of Christ The Resurrection of the Body and Life Everlasting Righteous before God in Christ by Faith Without Works Works, Not our Righteousness but its fruit and Graciously Rewarded Faith Wrought of the Spirit by the Word and Confirmed by the Sacraments The Sign and Seal of Baptism The Washing by the Blood and Spirit of Christ, Signified, Embracing also the Infants of Believers The Sign and Seal of the Lord's Supper The Spiritual Presence of Christ, Signified, and Communion with Him The Error of the Mass and the Necessity of Supervision of the Lord's Supper The Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, Preaching and Church Discipline The Necessity of Conversion and the Fruit of Good Works The Grace of Conversion and its Elements The Law the Rule of Gratitude and the First Commandment The Second Commandment The Third Commandment A Godly Oath in God's Name The Fourth Commandment The Fifth Commandment The Sixth Commandment The Seventh Commandment The Eighth Commandment The Ninth Commandment The Tenth Commandment and the Imperfect Christian Prayer the Chief Part of Gratitude, The Requisites of Prayer Our Father, Which Art in Heaven Hallowed be Thy Name Thy Kingdom Come Thy Will Be Done Prayer for Daily Bread Prayer for Forgiveness of sins Temptation and Deliverance, Concluding Prayer

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Scriptural Proof For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. Gal. 3:10; Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen. Deut. 27:26 But we are all as an unclean thing , and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isa. 64:6 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Luke 17:10 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Mat. 7:17,18; I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

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