The Benefits of Doing Good

This sermon on "The Benefits of Doing Good" explores Titus 2:1-3:8 and Lord's Day 32 of the Heidelberg Catechism, addressing why Christians should pursue good works after salvation by grace alone. Dr. Beach emphasizes that Reformed theology doesn't promote "lonely faith" but rather salvation that leads to transformed living. He identifies two theological errors to avoid: antinomianism (rejecting all moral effort) and neo-nomianism (adding works to salvation). Instead, the sermon presents good works as the natural fruit of being saved by grace - not for salvation, but because of it. Drawing from the catechism, the pastor outlines three key reasons Christians should do good works: to show gratitude to God for His benefits, to gain assurance of faith through its fruits, and to win neighbors to Christ through godly living. He stresses that Christian life should be marked by thankfulness rather than smugness, since salvation comes to the undeserving. The sermon concludes with a sobering warning from the catechism's second question: those who remain ungrateful and unrepentant cannot be saved. However, this isn't meant to be proclaimed with relish, but as a sober reminder that salvation requires turning to God in repentance - and that God stands ready to receive all who come to Him through Christ. The central message is that Christians are "saved to serve" - redeemed not merely from something, but for worship, witness, and good works that glorify God.