Chapter 15

1We are justified by faith; yet this must not lessen our care to live well, nor our pleasure in it . WHAT shall we do therefore, brethren? Shall we be slothful in well-doing, and lay aside our charity? God forbid that any such thing should be done by us.
2But rather let us hasten with all earnestness and readiness of mind, to perfect every good work. For even the Creator and Lord of all things himself rejoices in his own works.
3By his Almighty power he fixed the heavens, and by his incomprehensible wisdom he adorned them.
4He also divided the earth from the water, with which it is encompassed; and fixed it as a secure tower, upon the foundation of his own will.
5He also by his appointment, commanded all the living creatures that are upon it, to exist.
6So likewise the sea, and all the creatures that are in it; having first created them, he enclosed them therein by his power.
7And above all, he with his holy and pure hands, formed man, the most excellent, and, as to his understanding, truly the greatest of all other creatures, the character of his own image.
8For so God says, Let us make man in our image, after our own likeness So God created man, male and female created he them.
9And having thus finished all these things, he commended all that he had made, and blessed them, and said, increase and multiply.
10We see how all righteous men have been adorned with good works: Wherefore even the Lord himself, having adorned himself with his works, rejoiced.
11Having therefore such an example, let us without delay, fulfil his will; and with all our strength, work the work of righteousness.