What Is The Difference Between Righteousness And Good Works?

Understanding the difference between righteousness and good works is essential for a proper grasp of Christian doctrine. Both righteousness and good works are crucial in the life of a believer, but they have distinct roles in the journey of faith. The Bible distinguishes between righteousness as a state of being, achieved by faith, and good works as outward expressions of that faith. This article explores the difference between righteousness and good works, focusing on biblical teachings that explain how each functions in the believer’s life and their respective relationship to salvation and sanctification.

What Is Righteousness?

Righteousness, according to the Bible, is a state of being right with God. It is a condition or standing that is not based on our own efforts or moral perfection, but rather on God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:22 states, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” In this verse, righteousness is presented as a gift—something bestowed by God rather than something we can earn by our actions.

The term “righteousness” in biblical contexts signifies being in a right relationship with God. It’s important to note that righteousness does not refer to one’s moral behavior alone. Instead, it is a state of being justified, declared righteous, and accepted by God through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. This distinction helps us understand that righteousness is an internal transformation, rather than an external performance of good deeds.

What Are Good Works?

Good works, in contrast, are the outward actions and behaviors that flow from a person who has been made righteous. These actions are the tangible expressions of the righteousness that resides within a believer. The Bible is clear that good works cannot earn us righteousness, but they are the fruit or evidence of having received righteousness through faith.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Good works are a natural outcome of being in a right relationship with God. They include acts of love, service, kindness, charity, and obedience to God’s commandments, all of which demonstrate the transformation that has taken place in the life of the believer.

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While good works are an essential aspect of the Christian life, they are not the basis for salvation. Rather, they are the result of salvation, demonstrating the change that has occurred within the believer’s heart. James 2:26 states, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead.” This verse highlights the essential relationship between faith and good works—they go hand in hand, but good works follow the inward reality of righteousness.

The Difference Between Righteousness And Good Works

The key difference between righteousness and good works is that righteousness refers to one’s position or standing before God, while good works are the outward actions that flow from that position. Righteousness is a gift received by faith, while good works are the evidence of that gift.

Righteousness is about being made right with God, which happens when we trust in Christ’s sacrifice. This right standing with God allows us to live in accordance with His will, which is evidenced by the good works that naturally follow. Romans 3:28 says, “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” This means that righteousness is not something we achieve through our actions but is given to us by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

In contrast, good works are actions that reflect our new identity in Christ. They do not justify us before God, but they show that our faith is active and living. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Good works are visible expressions of the righteousness that we have received and are meant to glorify God.

Righteousness Is A Gift, Good Works Are A Response

One of the most important biblical principles regarding righteousness and good works is that righteousness is a gift, and good works are the response to that gift. Romans 5:17 teaches, “For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!”

The gift of righteousness is not earned, but freely given through faith in Christ. It is not a reward for good behavior but a gracious gift from God. Once we have received this gift, our hearts are transformed, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives that reflect our new righteousness. In this sense, good works are not a means of earning righteousness, but they are a result of the transformation that righteousness brings.

Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” While good works are important, they are not the basis of our salvation; they are the evidence that we have been saved.

Righteousness Is Imputed, Good Works Are Produced

Another way to understand the difference between righteousness and good works is that righteousness is imputed, while good works are produced. When we place our faith in Christ, God imputes His righteousness to us. This means that God credits Christ’s perfect righteousness to our account. 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

This imputed righteousness is the foundation of the Christian faith. It is what allows us to stand before God as righteous, despite our sins. In contrast, good works are the fruit that is produced by the Holy Spirit within us. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These good works are evidence of the work of the Spirit in our lives and demonstrate the righteousness that has been imputed to us.

In short, righteousness is a declaration from God, a status given to us based on our faith in Christ. Good works, however, are the visible proof of that declaration. While righteousness is something God does for us, good works are something God does through us.

Why Both Righteousness And Good Works Are Important

Both righteousness and good works are integral to the Christian life, but they serve different purposes. Righteousness is the foundation of our salvation and the key to our relationship with God. Without righteousness, no one can be reconciled to God. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear that salvation is by grace, and righteousness is a free gift through faith, not something we can earn through works.

However, good works are also essential because they demonstrate that the righteousness we have received is alive and active. As Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world, sharing His love and truth through our actions. Good works bring glory to God and serve as a testimony to others of the transformative power of God’s grace.

James 2:14-26 teaches that faith without works is dead. True faith results in a changed life, which will be evident in the good works that follow. These works do not save us, but they reflect the salvation that we have already received. They are the evidence that we are living in alignment with the righteousness that God has imputed to us.

Conclusion: Righteousness Vs. Good Works

In conclusion, the difference between righteousness and good works lies in their origin, purpose, and role in the life of a believer. Righteousness is a position we receive through faith in Jesus Christ, while good works are the outward expression of that inward transformation. Righteousness is the foundation of our salvation and the basis of our relationship with God, while good works are the fruit of that relationship, demonstrating God’s work in our lives.

Both righteousness and good works are necessary in the life of a believer, but they must be understood in their proper context. We are not saved by good works, but good works are the natural result of a righteous life. As we grow in our understanding of God’s grace and His righteousness, our lives will increasingly reflect His love and truth through the good works we do.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is The Difference Between Righteousness And Good Works?

Righteousness and good works are two distinct but closely related concepts in Christian theology. Righteousness refers to the state of being right with God, which is made possible through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not something that can be earned by human effort or moral behavior, but it is a gift from God. Romans 3:22 states, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” Righteousness is a positional truth, meaning that once a person believes in Jesus, they are declared righteous before God, regardless of their actions or past.

On the other hand, good works are the actions and behaviors that flow from a believer’s righteous standing with God. They are a natural outcome of a transformed life. Good works do not earn righteousness but are the proof of a genuine relationship with God. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus encourages believers to let their light shine before others so that they may see their good works and glorify the Father in heaven. Good works are the external manifestation of the internal righteousness received through faith.

The distinction is crucial because righteousness is about one’s position before God, while good works are the result of that position. They are both essential in the life of a believer but serve different purposes—righteousness makes a person right with God, and good works demonstrate the evidence of that right relationship.

2. Why Is Righteousness Not The Same As Good Works?

Righteousness and good works are often confused, but they are fundamentally different. Righteousness is the status a believer receives through faith in Jesus Christ, while good works are the actions or behaviors that reflect that status. In Romans 3:28, the Apostle Paul clearly distinguishes the two when he says, “A person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” Righteousness is a gift from God, not something we can earn by following the law or performing good deeds.

Good works, on the other hand, are the natural outgrowth of the righteousness believers receive by grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith, and it is not the result of works, so that no one can boast. But verse 10 goes on to say that “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” This shows that good works follow as a response to receiving the gift of righteousness, but they do not contribute to making a person righteous.

In summary, righteousness is the foundation for a relationship with God, while good works are the evidence of that relationship. While both are necessary for a believer’s life, they serve different roles and should not be confused.

3. How Can Understanding The Difference Between Righteousness And Good Works Help In The Christian Faith?

Understanding the difference between righteousness and good works is foundational for a healthy Christian life. If a person does not understand that righteousness is a gift from God and not something earned by works, they may fall into legalism, trying to earn favor with God by their behavior. This could lead to frustration, guilt, and a sense of inadequacy because no one can perfectly meet God’s standards through their own efforts.

On the other hand, if someone believes that good works are unnecessary after receiving righteousness, they may fail to live in a way that reflects the transformative power of the gospel. As James 2:26 states, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead.” This doesn’t mean that good works save us, but they are a vital part of the Christian life, proving that our faith is alive and active.

By understanding that righteousness is a gift from God and that good works are the result of that gift, Christians can avoid both legalism and spiritual complacency. It encourages believers to live a life that honors God, knowing that they are already made right with Him through faith, and their good works are the fruit of that righteousness.

4. Does The Bible Teach That Righteousness And Good Works Are Both Necessary For Salvation?

The Bible clearly teaches that righteousness is necessary for salvation, but good works are not the means by which we attain it. Righteousness comes from God and is received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works. Romans 3:22 affirms, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” Good works, while important, do not contribute to our justification before God. As Ephesians 2:8-9 explains, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Good works are a necessary response to salvation, as they demonstrate the reality of the new life believers have in Christ (Ephesians 2:10). Jesus emphasized that faith must be accompanied by action, stating in Matthew 7:17-18, “Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” Therefore, while salvation is by grace through faith alone, good works are the fruit of salvation, confirming that a person’s faith is genuine.

In summary, righteousness is required for salvation, and it is a gift received by faith, while good works are a result of that salvation. They demonstrate the reality of a transformed life, but they are not the means by which salvation is achieved.

5. How Is Righteousness A Gift While Good Works Are A Response?

Righteousness is a gift from God that cannot be earned by human effort. The Apostle Paul makes this clear in Romans 5:17, “For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” Righteousness is imputed to believers when they place their faith in Jesus Christ. It is not a reward for works, but a gracious gift from God.

Good works, however, are the response of a believer who has already received this gift. As Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Good works are the natural outgrowth of the righteousness believers have received. They do not contribute to a believer’s righteousness, but they are the fruit that follows it.

This distinction is crucial because it helps Christians avoid the mistake of thinking that they can earn righteousness by doing good works. Rather, righteousness is received through faith, and good works are a response to the grace and transformation God has worked in the believer’s life.

6. In What Way Is Righteousness Imputed To Believers, But Good Works Are Produced By The Holy Spirit?

Righteousness is imputed to believers through faith in Jesus Christ. This means that when a person places their faith in Christ, God credits them with the righteousness of Christ, as if they themselves had lived a perfect life. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This imputation of righteousness is a legal declaration by God, declaring the believer to be in right standing with Him because of Jesus’ perfect work on the cross.

Good works, however, are produced by the Holy Spirit within the believer. After receiving the gift of righteousness, the believer is empowered by the Holy Spirit to live according to God’s will. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities manifest in the believer’s life as they submit to the Holy Spirit’s leading. The good works that follow are not produced by human effort but are the fruit of the righteousness that has been imputed to the believer by God.

Thus, while righteousness is something that is credited to us, good works are the result of the Holy Spirit working in and through us to reflect God’s character in our actions.

7. Why Can’t Good Works Be The Basis For Our Righteousness?

Good works cannot be the basis for our righteousness because no human effort can meet the standard of perfection required by God. Romans 3:20 states, “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” Good works are valuable and necessary, but they cannot atone for sin or make us right with God. Only the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ can do that.

Romans 5:1 explains, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Righteousness comes from faith in Jesus Christ and is a gift, not something that can be earned. If good works were the basis of our righteousness, it would imply that salvation could be achieved through human effort, which is impossible. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus has already done the work necessary for our righteousness, and all we need to do is receive it through faith.

In conclusion, good works cannot be the foundation of our righteousness because they are imperfect and cannot measure up to the standard of God’s holiness. Righteousness is a gift from God, given through faith in Jesus Christ.

8. How Does Faith Relate To Righteousness And Good Works?

Faith is the foundation of both righteousness and good works in the Christian life. Righteousness is not obtained by works but by faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:22 teaches that “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” Faith is the means by which a person receives the righteousness of God, and it is through this faith that a believer is declared right before God.

Once righteousness is received, good works naturally follow. Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Faith in Christ transforms a person’s heart and mind, enabling them to live out good works that honor God. In James 2:17, we are reminded that “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Therefore, faith is the root of both righteousness and good works. Righteousness is credited to the believer because of their faith, and good works are the fruit of that faith.

Faith, then, is the link that ties righteousness and good works together. While righteousness comes by faith alone, good works are evidence of a living faith. As Christians walk in faith, they are empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform good works that glorify God.

9. How Do The Gospels Teach The Relationship Between Righteousness And Good Works?

The Gospels teach that righteousness is not something that can be earned by human effort or religious observance, but rather it comes through faith in Jesus Christ. In Matthew 5:20, Jesus warns, “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” This verse shows that righteousness is not about outward appearances or following the law to the letter, but about a heart transformed by God.

In the Gospels, Jesus also teaches that good works are a natural outgrowth of true righteousness. In Matthew 7:16-18, Jesus says, “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” The good works Jesus speaks of are the evidence of a transformed life that has received righteousness from God.

In summary, the Gospels highlight that righteousness is given through faith, and good works are the visible evidence of that righteousness. Jesus emphasizes the importance of internal transformation over external observance of the law, and He calls His followers to bear good fruit as a sign of their faith in Him.

10. How Does The Doctrine Of Justification By Faith Relate To Righteousness And Good Works?

The doctrine of justification by faith is central to understanding the relationship between righteousness and good works. Justification is the act of God declaring a person righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ, not on the basis of works. Romans 5:1 declares, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This justification is a legal declaration from God, and it is not based on the person’s works or moral efforts.

Justification by faith means that righteousness is not earned by following the law or doing good deeds but is freely given to those who place their trust in Jesus. This righteousness, as Paul explains in Romans 3:28, comes “apart from the works of the law.” Once justified, believers are empowered to do good works by the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:10 affirms this, stating that “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”

In essence, justification by faith establishes a believer’s righteousness before God, and good works are the fruit of that righteousness. They demonstrate the reality of the transformation that has occurred through faith in Christ.

11. What Role Do Good Works Play In Demonstrating A Believer’s Faith?

Good works play a crucial role in demonstrating the genuineness of a believer’s faith. James 2:18-20 teaches that faith without works is dead, saying, “But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” Good works do not save a person, but they prove that a person’s faith is real and alive.

When a believer’s life is characterized by good works, it is evidence that their faith has transformed them. Jesus Himself taught in Matthew 5:16 that believers should “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Good works are a powerful witness to the world, showing that the believer has been changed by the gospel and is living out their faith in practical ways.

Good works also reflect the love and compassion of Christ, serving others and advancing the kingdom of God. As believers do good works, they participate in God’s redemptive plan for the world, demonstrating His love and mercy.

12. How Do The Epistles Emphasize The Relationship Between Righteousness And Good Works?

The Epistles, particularly those written by Paul, emphasize the relationship between righteousness and good works. Paul consistently teaches that righteousness comes by faith and not by works of the law. In Philippians 3:9, Paul expresses his desire to “be found in Christ, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

At the same time, Paul affirms the importance of good works in the life of a believer. In Ephesians 2:10, Paul writes, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” While good works do not contribute to our righteousness, they are the evidence of the transformation that takes place when a person receives righteousness through faith.

The Epistles make it clear that good works are the natural fruit of a believer’s new life in Christ, and they should flow from the righteousness believers have received through faith. Ephesians 4:24 encourages Christians to “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness,” which will naturally result in good works that honor God.

13. How Do Righteousness And Good Works Relate To Christian Living?

Christian living is characterized by a life that reflects the righteousness of God and is marked by good works. Righteousness is the believer’s standing before God, and good works are the practical outworking of that righteousness. The Apostle Paul teaches that believers are to live out their faith in a way that reflects their position in Christ, demonstrating their righteousness through their actions.

In Titus 2:11-14, Paul instructs believers to “live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” This is a call to live in such a way that their good works are evident to others, thereby glorifying God. Good works are the evidence that a person has been made righteous through faith in Christ, and they serve as a testimony to the world of God’s transforming power.

Christian living involves more than just following rules or doing good deeds; it is about reflecting Christ’s love and character in every aspect of life. As believers grow in their relationship with God, they will naturally produce good works that demonstrate their righteousness and serve as a witness to the world.

14. What Is The Role Of The Holy Spirit In Producing Good Works?

The Holy Spirit plays an essential role in producing good works in the life of a believer. Once a person is justified and made righteous through faith, the Holy Spirit indwells them and empowers them to live according to God’s will. Philippians 2:13 reminds believers that “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

The Holy Spirit convicts the believer, guides them into all truth, and enables them to produce the fruit of righteousness. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness. These fruits are the manifestation of good works, which are not produced by human effort but by the Spirit of God working within the believer.

Good works are not the result of self-effort but are a sign of the Holy Spirit’s transformative power. As Christians yield to the Spirit, they are enabled to live lives that reflect God’s character, doing good works that glorify Him.

15. How Does The New Testament Explain The Relationship Between Righteousness And Good Works?

The New Testament consistently teaches that righteousness comes from God through faith and is not the result of works. However, good works are the evidence of this righteousness and a natural outgrowth of a transformed life. In Philippians 3:9, Paul declares that he wants to be found in Christ, “not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

At the same time, the New Testament emphasizes the importance of good works. In Ephesians 2:10, Paul reminds believers that they were created in Christ Jesus to do good works. These works are not to earn righteousness but to reflect the righteousness they have already received through faith.

Thus, the New Testament teaches that righteousness is a gift from God, and good works are the response to that gift. They demonstrate the reality of the believer’s faith and serve as a witness to the world of God’s transformative power.

16. What Is The Significance Of Righteousness In The Old Testament Versus The New Testament, Especially In Relation To Good Works?

In the Old Testament, righteousness was primarily seen in terms of following the Law and adhering to a set of rules and rituals. However, even in the Old Testament, righteousness was always rooted in faith. Abraham’s righteousness was credited to him because of his faith, as stated in Genesis 15:6, “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”

In the New Testament, righteousness is revealed more fully through the life and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus fulfilled the Law and became the source of righteousness for all who believe in Him. Romans 3:22 emphasizes, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”

In relation to good works, the New Testament expands on the Old Testament understanding by teaching that good works flow from the righteousness believers receive through faith. In the Old Testament, righteousness was outwardly expressed through the observance of the law, but in the New Testament, righteousness is an inward transformation that produces good works as a reflection of the believer’s new heart in Christ.

17. How Do Righteousness And Good Works Reflect God’s Glory?

Righteousness and good works both reflect God’s glory in profound ways. Righteousness reflects God’s holiness and justice, as it is a gift from Him that restores humanity’s broken relationship with Him. By declaring believers righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, God demonstrates His mercy and grace.

Good works reflect God’s character in action. When believers live in obedience to God’s will, they display the transformative power of the gospel. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus tells His followers to let their light shine before others, so that “they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Good works demonstrate the glory of God to the world, showing His love, kindness, and justice through the actions of His people.

Both righteousness and good works point to the greatness of God and bring honor to His name. Righteousness reveals God’s ability to justify and redeem sinners, and good works testify to the power of the gospel in the lives of those who believe.

18. What Happens If We Confuse Righteousness With Good Works?

Confusing righteousness with good works can lead to legalism or self-righteousness. If someone believes that their good works make them righteous, they will likely struggle with feelings of inadequacy or pride, depending on their ability to perform. This can result in a distorted view of God’s grace and the gospel.

Legalism, the belief that one can earn God’s favor through works, can cause spiritual exhaustion and frustration, as no one can perfectly keep the law. Self-righteousness, on the other hand, leads to pride and a judgmental attitude toward others, thinking that their good works somehow make them more deserving of God’s favor.

The gospel teaches that righteousness is a gift, and good works are the evidence of a transformed life. Believers are to rest in the finished work of Christ and live out good works as a response to His grace. Understanding this distinction keeps believers humble and focused on God’s glory rather than their own accomplishments.

19. How Can Believers Balance Righteousness And Good Works In Their Daily Lives?

Believers can balance righteousness and good works by remembering that righteousness is a gift received through faith in Christ and that good works are the natural result of that righteousness. It is important to live in a way that reflects the righteousness believers have received while relying on the Holy Spirit to produce good works in them.

Good works should be done out of love for God and others, not to earn favor with God. Believers should strive to live according to God’s will, knowing that their righteousness is secure in Christ. At the same time, they should allow the Holy Spirit to guide them in doing good works that honor God and bless others.

By keeping the focus on God’s grace and the transformation He has worked in their lives, believers can balance righteousness and good works in a way that glorifies God and reflects His love to the world.

20. How Can We Ensure That Our Good Works Are Truly Reflective Of Righteousness?

To ensure that our good works are truly reflective of righteousness, we must remain rooted in faith and focused on God’s glory. Good works should flow from a heart that loves God and desires to serve others. Jesus taught that even seemingly small actions, like giving a cup of water in His name, have eternal significance (Matthew 25:40).

It is also important to examine our motives when performing good works. In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus warns against performing acts of righteousness to be seen by others. Good works should be done with humility and a sincere desire to honor God, not to gain recognition or praise from people.

Ultimately, good works are reflective of righteousness when they are done in obedience to God’s Word and are empowered by the Holy Spirit. By staying connected to Christ and seeking His guidance, believers can ensure that their good works truly reflect the righteousness they have received through faith.

A LINK TO AN EXTERNAL ARTICLE:

What is the difference between “righteous” and “good” in Romans 5:7?

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