[Last week it was a question nobody asks; this week, it's a question that everybody asks. If rescue in Christ is truly without merit, but by grace alone, then on what basis should we do good works? This was the Roman Catholic question in the Reformation, obviously, but it remains today in debates about antinomianism, the "free grace" or "hyper-grace" movements, and even some forms of the "Father's heart" teachings. Heidelberg gives four answers: (1) because Christ is restoring us not just redeeming us, so (2) because works show our gratitude and praise to God, (3) because good works assure us of our faith, and (4) because good works win our neighbours. Nice.

The second question, on whether people can be saved without repentance, is also well worth considering.]