Why should I do good works? That question isn't theoretical; we subconsciously ask it hundreds of times a day. Why should I love a church friend who has hurt my feelings? Why should I sacrifice for my kids when they disobey me? Why should I work hard when the boss isn't looking? Why should worship when I don't feel like it? Why should I read the Bible, or pray, or be faithful to my wife? What drives me to live well when I am tempted to sin?
With this question, the catechism transitions to its third part. We first learned that by nature we are totally depraved; holistically polluted by sin. In our drive for autonomy we reject God's holy will deepening our debt of righteousness owed to a holy God. But there is comfort for miserable sinners! We next learned that even the worst sinners are made right with God and welcomed into his kingdom "as often as they accept the gospel promise in true faith" (Q/A 84).
The third part of the catechism teaches us how we are to show our gratitude to God. Scripture gives us three basic reasons to live well even when it isn't easy.
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