I guess it depends how one defines "good works".
I would say that good works can only be produced by a believer. And definitely an unbeliever cannot produce works out of love (agape). Only Jesus is love and any other motivation than coming from Christ is not coming from agape (love).
All and anything an unbeliever can do may look good and even come from good moral values, but it is still all filthy rags. And anything a believer does that is not coming from Christ (love) within is also filthy rags. We are his workmanship, created unto good works . . . (Eph. 2:10)
Hi.
Interesting point concerning his one defines good works.
Is it what people do and dont do in order to benefit someone else whether Christian or not?
Either could do works of some description for the benefit of someone else without wanting anything in return.
I have seen others say the an unbeliever cannot produce works out love (agape).
Is not agape an "unconditional love that expects nothing in return?
It is not a love of emotion or feeling but an act of the will for the higher good for someone.
So what perplexes me concerning what you say and others that an unbeliever cannot manifest this agape for others because they are not believers.
Cannot unbelievers do things out of agape love without wanting anything in return?
If as a believer I put food in a trolley to help feed those who cannot put food on the table because I don't want people to go hungry and someone else does the same.
We spend our own money, the recipient in this scenario (which is true) does not know who paid for the food.
I am a believer, the other is not.
Is what we done an aspect of Agape?
If so then an unbeliever has walked in agape love?
If not then what was the type of love we expressed?
I am not having a go here just trying to understand why some think this way.