The Significance of Good Works in The Life of a Christian in Paul’s Mind
It is vital to understand that we need to realize that Paul does not oppose good works. They are not bad. They are excellent in Christian life. Whilst the Hebrew Scriptures offered Paul’s teachings a theological foundation, his conceptualization of good works was honed within the bounds of the Second Temple Judaism historical context. Insofar as this is the exposition, it is crucial to explore the good works’ concepts to accurately assess Paul’s position on good works in the life of a Christian based on Second Temple Literature.
Second Temple literature lays more emphasis on the importance of performing good works, including living a life that is virtuous, moral, prayerful, fasting, and giving of alms. Paul’s letters demonstrate that good works are critical in Christian life. Paul believes that good works are neither meritorious nor optional because faith justification and engaging in good works are virtually inseparable truths in Christian life. Therefore, the pertinent result of faith justification is a life of general obedience to the word of God and good works.
Insomuch as the Hebrew Scriptures form the fundamental foundational theology in the New Testament, the literature provided in the period of the Second Temple offers the vital and even more prompt theological and historical background to the New Testament. Engaging in good works is crucial to becoming a Christian in the modern-day world. Paul maintains that our works on earth are what God will use to judge us. Paul believes that the day of judgment will be a period when “… God’s righteous judgment will be dispensed…and God will recompense…each person according to his works…The reward for those who persevere… in doing a good work…or doing good is eternal life” (Sheldon, 2015).
Besides, Paul believes that those who practice good will be given glory, peace, and honor. The fact that Paul insists on Christians being judged according to their individual works is a warning enough to Christians to do good on earth while they still can. Paul strongly encouraged Christians living in Rome that they did not have to fear the persons in authority while they were good by engaging in ethical work. He insists that good works are essentially appropriate and even acceptable in other cultures, such as pagans. He brings the argument that good works directly contrast to evils within a specific society and can be looked upon with favor. With the thought of the looming eschaton, Paul insists that Christians should “…put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light…It is high time for believers to take off works of darkness and to put on the weapons or armor of light…Christians must ready themselves for the spiritual battle that is surely to intensify as the day of salvation approaches” (Sheldon, 2015). As such, by girding ourselves as with the armor of light that Paul maintains on decent behavior.
Given that he insists on Grace, it does not mean that he looks down on the works of Christians. However, he implies that only Grace is the pathway to salvation (Harris, 2015). By Grace, we did not deserve to be saved, but God had mercy on his creation. It is by Grace that Jesus died on the cross to save us. The Bible is also clear that it is by Grace that our sins are forgiven and that it is the way to salvation. Rather than seeing Paul as one opposed to works, it is vital to understand that good works are just as important.
In conclusion, it suffices to say that although Paul teaches more on Grace, he is not in opposition to the good Christian works. This fact is supported as it put us in oneness with God and everyone else, regardless of their cultural background, good works keep the peace for Christians in the world.
References
Harris, S. L. (2015). The New Testament: A student introduction (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Sheldon, M. (2015). A Theology of Good Works: The Apostle Paul’s Concept of Good Works within the Context of Second Temple Judaism.
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Question 
The Significance of Good Works
Paul clearly emphasizes God’s grace, Jesus’ work on the cross, and the role of faith in our justification (see, for example, Rom. 2: 28-29; 3:23-24; Gal. 2:16-21). But does this mean that Paul completely rejects the importance of works in the Christian life? What role do you think good works play in the life of a Christian in Paul’s mind?