---
title: "Chapter 16: Of Good Works | RP Testimony"
description: "Chapter 16 of the RP Testimony: Of Good Works. Read the 2026 RPCNA Constitution text, Scripture proofs, and the corresponding Westminster Confession chapter."
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-16-good-works/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=56"
---

# Chapter 16: Of Good Works | RP Testimony

1. Good works, while not a means of salvation, are required of believers as a testimony to God’s grace, as evidence of regeneration and as a blessing to mankind. Matt. 5:16; Eph. 2:10; Titus 3:8-14.

2. We reject the notion that sincerity of performance, or the declaration of a church, can make any act a “good work.” Rom. 10:2; Matt. 15:9.

3. We reject the idea that we, by good works, can win favor with God, either for ourselves or for others. Rom. 3:20; Isa. 64:6.

4. By God’s grace, many unregenerate men have generous impulses and may lead outwardly moral lives. Yet good works are only those things done in obedience to His revealed will, out of sincere love for Him and desire to serve Him. The Christian may work with unbelievers in seeking the good of society, but his chief motive should be the glory of God. Christians should avoid any voluntary association in which they cannot maintain a consistent testimony for Christ. Rom. 14:23; Eph. 2:10; John 15:5; Rom. 12:1-2.

## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13)

These explanations are separate from the official text above.

Words to knowGood worksActions God commands, done in faith, love, and obedience for his glory.MeritTo earn a reward; our works cannot earn forgiveness or eternal life.RejectsSays that a teaching is wrong and must not be accepted.

### Testimony 16.1

Good works do not save us. They are required as evidence of new life, a witness to God’s grace, and a benefit to others.

[Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-16-good-works/#point-1)

### Testimony 16.2

The Testimony rejects the idea that sincerity or church approval can make an action good when it does not conform to God’s will.

[Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-16-good-works/#point-2)

### Testimony 16.3

The Testimony rejects trying to earn God’s favor for ourselves or others through our deeds.

[Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-16-good-works/#point-3)

### Testimony 16.4

People who do not believe in Christ can still do things that help others. But pleasing God requires faith, love for him, and obedience. Christians may work with others to help their neighbors while remaining faithful to Christ.

[Read original point 4 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-16-good-works/#point-4)

### Talk about it

If good works do not save us, why should we do them?

### Discuss and remember

Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about.

- Why do good works matter if they cannot earn salvation?
- How can an ordinary act of kindness honor God?

#### Scripture to remember

Ephesians 2:10

[Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=Ephesians%202%3A10)

Read the passage in context. Explain it in your own words, then practice one short phrase at a time. Review it together during the week.

#### Put it into practice

Choose a way to serve someone without asking for praise.

[Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/)

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=56)

## Related reading

- [Salvation by grace through faith](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/salvation-by-grace/)
- [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 10: Of Effectual Calling](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-10-effectual-calling/)
- [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 29: How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-29-how-are-we-made-partakers-of-the-redemption-purchased/)
- [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 67: What is effectual calling?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-67-what-is-effectual-calling/)
- [Westminster Confession · Chapter 16](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-16-good-works/)
- [Chapter 15](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-15-repentance-unto-life/)
- [Chapter 17](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-17-perseverance-of-the-saints/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-16-good-works/