Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof - New Leaven

passage which certainly refers to him in his regenerate state. In Gal. 5:16-24 he speaks of
that very same struggle as a struggle that characterizes all the children of God. And in
Phil. 3:10-14 he speaks of himself, practically at the end of his career, as one who has not
yet reached perfection, but is pressing on toward the goal.
(3) Confession of sin and prayer for forgiveness are continually required. Jesus
taught all His disciples without any exception to pray for the forgiveness of sins and for
deliverance from temptation and from the evil one, Matt. 6:12,13. And John says: “If we
confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness,” I John 1:9. Moreover, Bible saints are constantly represented
as confessing their sins, Job 9:3,20; Ps. 32:5; 130:3; 143:2; Prov. 20:9; Isa. 64:6; Dan. 9:16;
Rom. 7:14.
(4) The Perfectionists themselves deem it necessary to lower the standard of the law
and to externalize the idea of sin, in order to maintain their theory. Moreover, some of
them have repeatedly modified the ideal to which, in their estimation, believers can
attain. At first the ideal was “freedom from all sin”; then, “freedom from all conscious
sin,” next, “entire consecration to God,” and, finally, “Christian assurance.” This is in
itself a sufficient condemnation of their theory. We naturally do not deny that the
Christian can attain to the assurance of faith.
I. SANCTIFICATION AND GOOD WORKS.
Sanctification and good works are most intimately related. Just as the old life
expresses itself in works of evil, so the new life, that originates in regeneration and is
promoted and strengthened in sanctification, naturally manifests itself in good works.
These may be called the fruits of sanctification, and as such come into consideration
here.
1. THE NATURE OF GOOD WORKS.
a. Good works in the specifically theological sense. When we speak of good works in
connection with sanctification, we do not refer to works that are perfect, that answer
perfectly to the requirements of the divine moral law, and that are of such inherent
worth as to entitle one to the reward of eternal life under the conditions of the covenant
of works. We do mean, however, works that are essentially different in moral quality
from the actions of the unregenerate, and that are the expressions of a new and holy
nature, as the principle from which they spring. These are works which God not only
approves, but in a certain sense also rewards. The following are the characteristics of
works that are spiritually good: (1) They are the fruits of a regenerate heart, since
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