Jennifer Bales

Heidelberg Catechism 62. Q. But why can our good works not be our righteousness before God, or at least a part of it? A. 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 1.Deut 27:26; Gal 3:10. 2.Is 64:6. 63. Q. But do our good works earn nothing, even though God promises to reward them in this life and the next? 1 A. This reward is not earned; it is a gift of grace. 2 1.Mt 5:12; Heb 11:6. 2.Lk 17:10; 2 Tim 4:7, 8. 64. Q. Does this teaching not make people careless and wicked? A. No. It is impossible that those grafted into Christ by true faith should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness. 1 1.Mt 7:18; Lk 6:43-45; Jn 15:5.