According to Scripture, what is the purpose of good works in relation to faith?

The purpose of good works in relation to faith, according to Scripture, is to confirm true faith and salvation. This belief is grounded in the understanding that works are a natural and necessary response to genuine faith.

In the context of biblical teachings, good works are seen as evidence or fruit of an active and living faith. For example, passages such as James 2:17 emphasize that faith without works is dead, indicating that authentic faith will naturally produce good deeds as a manifestation of a believer's transformation and relationship with God. The idea is that through good works, believers demonstrate the reality of their faith to themselves and others, thereby confirming their salvation.

This view aligns perfectly with the theological perspective that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, and that good works are not the means to earn that salvation, but rather an outworking of faith that stems from a genuine relationship with Christ. The focus is on the transformative power of faith rather than human efforts to gain approval or favor.