Overview
Christianity Today 2024 Book Award (Academic Theology)
In Titus, Paul says Christ redeemed a people "zealous for good works." Despite this declaration and others like it, the doctrine of good works has fallen on hard times in contemporary Protestant theology and practice. At best, it's neglected--as in most systematic theologies and in too much church teaching. At worst, it's viewed with suspicion--as a threat to salvation by grace alone through faith alone.
In this important work addressing a significant gap in current theological literature, the authors argue that by jettisoning a doctrine of good works, the contemporary church contradicts historical Protestantism and, more importantly, biblical teaching. They combine their areas of expertise--exegesis, systematic and historical theology, and practical theology--to help readers recover and embrace a positive doctrine of good works. They survey historical Protestant teaching to show the importance of the doctrine to our forebears, engage the scriptural testimony on the role of good works, formulate a theology of salvation and good works, and explore pastoral applications.
In Titus, Paul says Christ redeemed a people "zealous for good works." Despite this declaration and others like it, the doctrine of good works has fallen on hard times in contemporary Protestant theology and practice. At best, it's neglected--as in most systematic theologies and in too much church teaching. At worst, it's viewed with suspicion--as a threat to salvation by grace alone through faith alone.
In this important work addressing a significant gap in current theological literature, the authors argue that by jettisoning a doctrine of good works, the contemporary church contradicts historical Protestantism and, more importantly, biblical teaching. They combine their areas of expertise--exegesis, systematic and historical theology, and practical theology--to help readers recover and embrace a positive doctrine of good works. They survey historical Protestant teaching to show the importance of the doctrine to our forebears, engage the scriptural testimony on the role of good works, formulate a theology of salvation and good works, and explore pastoral applications.
Media
The Doctrine of Good Works reviewed in Christianity Today
“In a time when Christians are losing their moral credibility in the eyes of an unbelieving world, The Doctrine of Good Works make a clear case that we can show the beauty of our faith by putting it into practice.”
The Doctrine of Good Works reviewed in Christianity Today
“Make[s] the case that more attention should be given to Christians doing good works.”
Thomas H. McCall, Caleb T. Friedeman, and Matt T. Friedeman on More to the Story
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Table of Contents
Introduction: Recovering an Essential Doctrine
1. Truly Good and Actually Necessary: Good Works in Protestant Theology
2. The Greatest Commandments Announced: Good Works in the Old Testament
3. The Greatest Commandments Fulfilled: Good Works in the New Testament
4. Holiness as Love of God and Love of Neighbor: Toward a Theology of Good Works
5. The Working Church: Case Studies in Living Faith
6. Strategic Pastoral Leadership: Toward Valuing Works in the Local Church
Conclusion: United with Christ, Filled with the Spirit, Zealous for Good Works
Indexes
1. Truly Good and Actually Necessary: Good Works in Protestant Theology
2. The Greatest Commandments Announced: Good Works in the Old Testament
3. The Greatest Commandments Fulfilled: Good Works in the New Testament
4. Holiness as Love of God and Love of Neighbor: Toward a Theology of Good Works
5. The Working Church: Case Studies in Living Faith
6. Strategic Pastoral Leadership: Toward Valuing Works in the Local Church
Conclusion: United with Christ, Filled with the Spirit, Zealous for Good Works
Indexes
Endorsements
“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
“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
“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
“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
Authors
Thomas H. McCall
Thomas H. McCall (PhD, Calvin Theological Seminary) is Timothy C. and Julie M. Tennent Professor of Theology at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.
Caleb T. Friedeman
Caleb T. Friedeman (PhD, Wheaton College) is David A. Case Chair of Theology and Ministry and associate professor of New Testament at Ohio Christian University in Circleville, Ohio.
Matt T. Friedeman
Matt T. Friedeman (PhD, University of Kansas) is John M. Case Chair of Evangelism and Discipleship at Wesley Biblical Seminary in Ridgeland, Mississippi.