Reward According to Works by Robert Govett and published by Classics.
Faith, connecting the sinner with the perfect work of Christ, brings present acceptance before God, and eternal life as its blessed issue. The works of man, whether converted or unconverted, avail not to obtain the pardon of sins, or everlasting bliss. God is a Sovereign, as is shown in his electing whom he will, sustaining their faith through a world of dangers, and glorifying them at last.
These truths were established at the Reformation, on the sure foundation of Scripture. Good works, it was seen, are the proofs of a living faith, and they are the true fruits of it.The merits of Christ are the answer to the demands of the law of God upon us, as responsible moral creatures who have broken his law. They free Christians from eternal death ; they open to them eternal life. But the point to be considered is : Whether the Saviour and his apostles do not speak of an account to be rendered to Christ by his believing servants ; when both their offences against professed servitude, and their actions in obedience to his claims will come before him?
The faith of Christians in general, as it appears to the author, embraces and enjoys present rest in God, through the work of Christ. But it has overlooked the doctrine of the future rest of the kingdom as the reward for present exertion. Now faith in the kingdom will alone produce works meet for the kingdom.
