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.