I'm concerned about good people. Good people live decent lives, devoid of the serious missteps that characterize "bad" people. They don't drink, chew, or go out with women who do. They are neighborly, hard-working, and honest. And, they dare believe their "goodness" will some day grant them favor before God in judgment. No assumption is more dangerous.
Basic goodness without faith amounts to nothing. The one quality that God most highly prizes is that of faith - "without faith it is impossible to please Him" (Hebrews 11.6). And that's the fundamental problem with "good people": nothing can make up for the absence of faith. Besides, our 'goodness' isn't really all that good: "all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment" (Isaiah 64.6).
"What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone" (Romans 9.30-32)
I'm currently taking an online course, taught by a Jewish professor. He states that the fundamental difference between Judaism and Christianity is that Judaism is focused on sanctification, whereas Christianity focuses on salvation. That's the essence of Paul's statements in Romans 9: Israel has pursued works, whereas non-Jewish believers have come in faith. And faith wins the day, because God treasures faith enough to provide righteousness that cannot be found through jealous works; 'goodness'. Stated another way, goodness follows faith, but can never substitute for it.
There are 'good' people in church every Sunday. Some are there enjoying the goodness that comes through faith and conversion. Others are there thinking that the 'goodness' of their church attendance earns them favor with God. One is an attempt at works; the other is a grateful response to salvation through faith.
Make certain that the 'goodness' you stand in today comes through humble faith. This writer urgently desire to talk with any who are unsure of the 'goodness' they base their hope in.
May you enjoy peace today as you walk by faith with the God Who provides all goodness through His Son, Jesus Messiah.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
Basic goodness without faith amounts to nothing. The one quality that God most highly prizes is that of faith - "without faith it is impossible to please Him" (Hebrews 11.6). And that's the fundamental problem with "good people": nothing can make up for the absence of faith. Besides, our 'goodness' isn't really all that good: "all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment" (Isaiah 64.6).
"What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone" (Romans 9.30-32)
I'm currently taking an online course, taught by a Jewish professor. He states that the fundamental difference between Judaism and Christianity is that Judaism is focused on sanctification, whereas Christianity focuses on salvation. That's the essence of Paul's statements in Romans 9: Israel has pursued works, whereas non-Jewish believers have come in faith. And faith wins the day, because God treasures faith enough to provide righteousness that cannot be found through jealous works; 'goodness'. Stated another way, goodness follows faith, but can never substitute for it.
There are 'good' people in church every Sunday. Some are there enjoying the goodness that comes through faith and conversion. Others are there thinking that the 'goodness' of their church attendance earns them favor with God. One is an attempt at works; the other is a grateful response to salvation through faith.
Make certain that the 'goodness' you stand in today comes through humble faith. This writer urgently desire to talk with any who are unsure of the 'goodness' they base their hope in.
May you enjoy peace today as you walk by faith with the God Who provides all goodness through His Son, Jesus Messiah.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
posted by steve @ 9:13 AM
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