Terminology in the Holy Bible – Works
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III examines in this lecture the meaning of the word “works” in the Holy Bible and explains that the term “works” has multiple senses depending on the context: sometimes it means everyday material labors, sometimes ritual or legal works, sometimes spiritual works in which the Holy Spirit participates, and sometimes righteous works separated from faith which do not benefit by themselves.
1. The meaning of “do no work” on the Sabbath
He clarifies that the prohibition of “work” on the Sabbath does not mean every natural act (like eating or speaking) and does not prevent spiritual worship, but it refers to material works for livelihood or works that wear out a person. The Lord Jesus confronted the scribes and Pharisees because they forbade doing good and miracles on the Sabbath while they themselves performed ritual acts that day.
2. Distinction between works of the law and true works
He explains that the works of the law (keeping Sabbath, rituals, sacrifices, purity laws) do not justify a person if they are empty of spirit. He cites prophetical examples where God rejected external worship without heart.
3. Works without faith or without grace
He explains that righteous works separated from faith or without the fellowship of grace and the Holy Spirit do not benefit for salvation. He mentions Cornelius as an example: he had good works but they were not salvific until God led him to faith.
4. Works performed by the Holy Spirit
He clarifies that true sacramental acts (baptism, chrismation/myron, the sacrament of repentance, the anointing, the union of marriage by the Spirit) are works of the Holy Spirit and not mere human legal acts; therefore they must not be rejected as empty “works.”
5. Divine partnership in human work
He asserts that God works in the person (“the grace working in me”), so the righteous works a believer performs are done by the power of grace and the Spirit; knowing this prevents diminishing the value of good works or denying them.
6. Spiritual and pastoral conclusion
The general message: one must distinguish types of works in the Bible — between material work, legal/formal work, righteous work without faith, and spiritual work inspired by the Holy Spirit. Salvation is not by works of the law alone, nor should good works be rejected if they are fruits of faith and grace. This view protects Orthodox faith from extremes that deny the value of works and from boasting in them without humility and grace.
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