"Good works" refers to a specific set of actions (ordinances) flowing from a specific mindset, as discussed in prior posts (here, here, and here, for example).
This is a powerful set of doctrines, which I will hope to demonstrate in this post. "Good works" are not just items on a checklist to physically perform, they are a physical manifestation of having one's "eye single to God's glory." (See D&C 4:5)
We learn from Ephesians 2 that when we are raised from the deadness of sin, we become a new creature, one who is "[Christ's] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
A Synthesis of 2 Nephi 10 and Ephesians 2
Good works are motivated by love of God and recognition of His mercy through Jesus Christ. They are not to be mistaken as a checklist of tasks to perform in order to be saved. They are the fruit of conversion, not a means of "earning" salvation.
Below I summarize two important scriptural passages on the subject, first individually, then blending their overlapping message together.
Ephesians 2
- We were "dead in sins" and God "raised us up" and "made us to sit together in heavenly places" through grace.
- Conversion comes through faith (see verse 8). We are created anew in the process, and that new creation is "created in Christ Jesus unto good works."
- Christ's grace is all about bringing us into unity with the Father and the Son, and thereby in fellowship with the saints. See verses 14-22.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
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18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
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21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2)
2 Nephi 10
From 2 Nephi 10, I'll take several similar themes.
- Jacob teaches that Christ is the manifestation of God's mercy (see verses 2-3).
- He prophecies that in a future day, scattered Israel would come to believe in Christ and the process of gathering would begin (see verses 7-8).
- Zion will be protected, and its enemies shall perish (see verses 12-14).
Then Jacob says this:
23 Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.
24 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.
25 Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine. Amen. (2 Nephi 10)
The Synthesis
We learn from Ephesians 2 that when we are raised from the deadness of sin, we become a new creature, one who is "[Christ's] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
Jacob adds a very similar thought -- when we are received into God's kingdom, we will "praise him through grace divine." (2 Nephi 10:25).
We are not saved by "works." We are saved by grace, which results in a deep desire to harmonize every aspect of our lives with the everlasting covenant. This results in a desire to show forth good works. Thus, our good works are not performed in an effort to be saved. They are not the cause of salvation, they are an effect of it! These good works spontaneously appear when we truly recognize by what power we are saved.
The Creation-Covenant Connection
This is yet another connection between creation and covenant...each of us, through God's abundant mercy, can harmonize our existence with the fundamental purpose of the creation by embracing the everlasting covenant. This requires faith and repentance on our part and results in "good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10).