Heidelberg Catechism

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.