Good Works Necessary for Salvation?

Before making my move across the Tiber to Reformation21, I thought I’d offer some thoughts on a typically vexing question.

Having edited a book on the diversity of the Reformed tradition in the seventeenth century, I am fully aware of the places where there are differences of opinion among Reformed theologians. Some differences were significant; some were relatively insignificant. Anyone interested in those debates can check out, “Drawn into Controversie.” (I am also editing a companion volume for Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht on debates in the Long 18th century).

It never occurred to me, however, to include a debate on whether good works are necessary for salvation. Without wishing to commit the oft-made error, “all Reformed theologians say this…” – a good way to end one’s scholarly career – I will say that of all the Reformed theologians I have surveyed on the matter of good works, the vast majority affirmed that they are necessary for final salvation.    Continue at Mark Jones