Lord’s Day 24
Q62. Why can't the good things we do make us right with God, or at least help?
Because the righteousness that God accepts must be completely perfect and match his law in every way. But even the very best things we do in this life are not perfect and are stained with sin.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Romans 3:20
“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
Galatians 3:10
“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”
Deuteronomy 27:26
“Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.”
Isaiah 64:6
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why can't our good deeds make us right with God?
- 2
What does the catechism say is wrong even with the best things we do?
- 3
If our good works are stained with sin, should we stop trying to do good?
Illustration
If a teacher said every answer on the test must be perfectly correct to pass, even getting 99 out of 100 right would not be enough. God's standard is complete perfection. Even our best efforts fall short, which is why we need a Savior who scored perfectly for us.
Application
Do not let this truth make you stop doing good. Instead, let it drive you to thank Christ that his perfect score counts for you. Then do good freely, not to earn anything, but out of gratitude.