The Doctrine of Good Works

“This book provides a powerful and necessary intervention for an American church addicted to cheap grace. With pastoral insight and care, the authors expose the destructive half-truths and clichés that mislead so many well-meaning Christians. They replace these distortions with the richest insights and practices of the Protestant tradition and the Scriptures that directed it. This is Protestant theology at its very best, because this is theology from and for the church. Every pastor and teacher should read this book.”—Keith L. Johnson, professor of theology, Wheaton College

“Good works are an often neglected or misunderstood scriptural theme. McCall, Friedeman, and Friedeman correct many misconceptions and set forth their own understanding in this important work. They examine the role of good works historically, biblically, theologically, and practically. I am grateful for this contribution and hope it precipitates further conversation and study.”—Thomas Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Unfortunately, in some Protestant circles since the Reformation, good works have undeservedly gotten a bad name. In fact, precisely for saying ‘Faith without works is dead,’ James’s letter was called by Luther ‘a right strawy epistle,’ and he questioned its inclusion in the New Testament. This book takes on numerous caricatures such as ‘Good works have nothing to do with salvation’ in a refreshing and detailed way, and the result is the best single study I know of on this subject. Salvation involves far more than initial justification, and there is a reason why Paul said, ‘Work out your salvation with fear and trembling,’ and yes it involves doing, not just believing or having saving faith. This book itself is a ‘good work.’ And after all, Titus 2:14 reminded us to be ‘zealous for good works.’ I highly recommend this study.”—Ben Witherington III, Jean R. Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary

“McCall, Friedeman, and Friedeman offer a gift to the church in this challenge to reclaim good works in the Protestant tradition. With clarity and conviction, they argue that true faith in Christ will necessarily result in good works. Such a conclusion need not lead to legalism but can encourage an empowered and motivated body equipped by the Spirit to love God and love others. Ultimately, this book is a needed corrective to cognition-centered faith that may not actually be faith at all.”—Christa L. McKirland, lecturer in systematic theology, Carey Baptist College; executive director of Logia International

“Saved by good works? Yes! Not only Catholics but also Protestants have traditionally taught this. The Doctrine of Good Works shows how diverse Protestant traditions and thinkers have articulated a positive doctrine of saving good works while prioritizing grace and faith. Far from simply correcting caricatures, McCall, Friedeman, and Friedeman contribute positively to the current theological conversation about how to best systematize what Scripture teaches about salvation. Their results are made practical by inspiring case studies. Highly recommended.”—Matthew W. Bates, professor of theology, Quincy University; author of Salvation by Allegiance Alone