Article XIII
Works before justification
Grace cannot be earned by preparing an impressive record.
The Article
OF WORKS BEFORE JUSTIFICATION
WORKS done before the grace of Christ, and the Inspiration of his Spirit, are not pleasant to God, forasmuch as they spring not of faith in Jesus Christ, neither do they make men meet to receive grace, or (as the School-authors say) deserve grace of congruity: yea rather, for that they are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done, we doubt not but they have the nature of sin.
In modern English
Works done before Christ's grace and the Holy Spirit's inspiration are not pleasing to God, because they do not arise from faith in Jesus Christ. They do not make people fit to receive grace or earn it by making them suitable for it, as some medieval theologians claimed. Since such works are not done in the way God has willed and commanded, the Article judges that they have the character of sin.
Scripture readings
- Hebrews 11:6
- Romans 3:9–11, 21–24
- Titus 3:3–7
Understand the teaching
A difficult claim about goodness
Article XIII can sound startling. It says that works done before Christ's grace and the Spirit's inspiration do not please God, and have the nature of sin. Does this mean a neighbour's kindness is worthless? To understand the claim, we must identify its question. The Article addresses whether human action apart from saving grace can establish a claim on God or prepare someone to deserve justification. It gives a firm answer: reconciliation begins in God's mercy, and nobody earns their entrance into grace.
Its reference to the School-authors points towards medieval theological discussions of merit. Different thinkers made careful distinctions, and we should avoid flattening them into one crude system. Merit of congruity described, in relevant accounts, a fitting reward associated with what someone did, rather than a strict debt of equal value. The Article rejects the notion that our unaided efforts make saving grace a reward appropriately due to us. God remains the generous giver of salvation.
Reading the strong language honestly
The text goes further than saying that works cannot save. It evaluates human action in relation to God's will and faith in Christ. God calls for obedience from the whole person: love, trust, intention and action belong together. An act may accomplish something useful while emerging from mixed or disordered motives. A gift might relieve hunger and simultaneously serve the donor's pride. Even outwardly admirable behaviour cannot provide the complete righteousness God requires from his creatures.
This teaching should produce humility in Christians. We also experience mixed motives and depend constantly on mercy. The Article gives no permission to despise people outside the church or pretend that believers always behave better. A neighbour's truthful testimony, generous gift or courageous rescue can genuinely benefit others. Recognising that benefit is consistent with acknowledging that salvation cannot be secured by such deeds. Civic goodness and a right standing before God are related questions that require distinct answers.
The biblical logic of dependence
Hebrews 11:6 connects pleasing God with faith: approaching him involves trusting his reality and his generosity towards those who seek him. The emphasis is relational. God desires the trust appropriate to knowing him. Romans 8:7–9 describes the resistance of the mind governed by the flesh and the new condition of those indwelt by the Spirit. Paul's categories concern humanity's orientation towards God, going deeper than a comparison of individual actions that society regards as respectable.
Ephesians 2:1–10 places God's merciful action before the good works of renewed people. Spiritual death is answered by being made alive with Christ. Titus 3:3–7 similarly traces salvation to God's kindness and mercy, rather than righteous things we have done. These passages make the Article's central pastoral implication clear. A person does not need to manufacture spiritual worthiness before responding to the gospel. The invitation reaches people precisely in their need for God's renewing intervention.
The neighbour who appears better than us
Suppose a compassionate atheist cares for an elderly relative, while a church member behaves selfishly. Christians should acknowledge the compassion and challenge the selfishness. The Article cannot honestly be used to reverse the obvious moral evaluation of those particular actions. Its concern is that neither person can establish a saving claim through their record. The church member needs repentance, and the neighbour's admirable care does not remove the universal need for reconciliation through Christ.
What about people who seem to seek God before they understand the gospel? Christians can recognise God's initiative at work without claiming to map every stage of another person's conversion. Article X already emphasises grace preceding our response. Acts 10 portrays Cornelius as devout and generous, and then describes God's action in bringing him the message about Jesus. We should read that narrative carefully, resisting a simplistic claim that either kindness earns salvation or every preparatory spiritual experience is meaningless.
A welcome that begins with grace
Imagine someone saying, 'I will come to church once I have sorted out my life.' This Article helps us explain why they can come now. Their improvement would never become an entry payment, and their failure does not exhaust Christ's mercy. Invite them to hear the gospel, pray honestly and place their trust in Jesus. Practical help with addiction, debt or family difficulties may be important, but it should be offered without suggesting that successful self-reform is a condition for approaching him.
The same truth addresses respectable self-reliance. Years of charitable work or religious attendance cannot make God our debtor. We receive salvation with empty hands and discover that grace then enables a new life of obedience. In community partnerships, honour genuine service and cooperate where appropriate. In evangelism, explain clearly why Christ remains necessary. The Article encourages both truthful gratitude for our neighbours and a deep confidence that God's mercy reaches beyond everything human achievement can accomplish.
Bring it into everyday life
- How would you answer someone who says they must become a better person before approaching God?