A Simple Guide for Everyday Readers
What Are “Works of Righteousness”?
“Works of righteousness” is just another way to talk about good deeds, kindness, and religious practices that people do to please God. Think of it as the actions, big and small, that reflect honesty, love, and following your beliefs—like helping someone in need, praying, or giving to charity.
But, depending on your religious background or tradition, the meaning and importance of these works can be a little different.
Good Deeds and Religious Practices
· Good deeds are the things we do that are considered good or virtuous by our society or religion—like being honest, kind, or generous.
· Religious observance means doing things like praying, following religious rules, or giving to those in need because of your faith.
Works of Righteousness in Christianity
Christianity talks a lot about “works of righteousness,” but there’s an important distinction to understand.
Good Works as a Sign of Faith
In Christianity, good deeds and acts of kindness are seen as the natural result of having real faith in God. Think of a fruit tree: if the tree is healthy, it will naturally produce good fruit. In the same way, if someone’s heart is changed by faith, good actions will grow from that change.
What “Works Righteousness” Isn’t
Some people make a common mistake called “works righteousness”—the belief that doing good deeds alone can earn you a place with God or guarantee salvation. Christianity teaches that this isn’t how it works. According to the Christian Bible, salvation is a gift from God that comes through faith, not just by doing good things. In other words, you can’t “earn” your way to heaven by checking off a list of good deeds.
The Balance: Avoiding Extremes
It’s also possible to go too far the other way and think that good works don’t matter at all. This idea—called “antinomianism”—says that because salvation is guaranteed by faith, obeying God’s commands isn’t important. The Christian perspective is that while good works can’t earn salvation, they are still very important because they show our faith is real.
Works of Righteousness in Judaism
In Judaism, living a righteous life means following the Torah, God’s law, which gives detailed guidance on how to act in every part of life—community, ethics, and even health. The idea is that true righteousness is woven into everyday living.
Biblical Examples and Meaning
The Bible is filled with verses that talk about the results of righteous living—often called “the fruit of righteousness.” Here are a few examples explained simply:
· Isaiah 32:9-20: This passage says that ignoring God’s ways leads to trouble, but when God’s spirit is present, peace and happiness come through righteous living. True happiness is found in real faith and a holy life.
· Philippians 1:9–11: The apostle Paul prays that believers will be “filled with the fruit of righteousness.” This means their lives will show kindness, honesty, and love—not because they’re trying to earn points, but because God has changed their hearts.
· John 15:1–6, The Vine and Branches: Jesus said He is like a vine and His followers are like branches. Just like branches can’t grow fruit unless they’re attached to the vine, people can’t live truly righteous lives unless they’re connected to God.
· Proverbs 11:30: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.” The effects of living rightly bless not only the person but those around them as well.
· Galatians 5:22–23: Lists the “fruit” that shows up in a believer’s life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities come from the Holy Spirit working inside a person.
· Philippians 3:9: The source of our righteousness is not from following rules alone, but through faith in Jesus.
Why Do Good Works Matter?
In Christianity, the point of doing good isn’t to get credit or praise for yourself. Instead, these acts are meant to bring glory to God. When others see the kindness and love in your actions, the idea is that they’ll see God’s love shining through you.
Jesus said, “Let your good deeds shine out… so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16).
Key Takeaways
· “Works of righteousness” means doing good and living by your faith.
· In Christianity, good works are evidence of faith—not the way to earn salvation.
· God’s spirit produces good fruit in a believer’s life, just like a healthy tree produces fruit.
· True righteousness leads to a life that helps others and honors God.
No matter what your background, the main idea is clear: real faith is shown by a life filled with kindness, love, and good actions. These are the “fruits” of a heart that’s been truly changed.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 