How does Reformed theology view human works in relation to faith?
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Reformed theology teaches that human works cannot achieve salvation; rather, they are the result of a genuine faith in Christ.
In Reformed theology, there is a clear distinction between faith and works when it comes to salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that we are saved by grace through faith, and this not of ourselves; it is the gift of God—not of works, lest anyone should boast. Human efforts are seen as insufficient to attain the righteousness required by God. Instead, good works are the fruits of genuine saving faith. They follow a person’s faith but do not contribute to their standing before God. Genuine faith results in a transformed life that produces good works, as stated in Ephesians 2:10, which highlights that believers are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand. This underscores the relationship between faith and works, where true faith inherently results in obedience to God's commandments.
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