Good Enough?

Most of us consider ourselves good, moral people; especially after watching the news and the current state of our society. How do we define a "good" person? Primarily, it is by their actions. But what about their motivation or reasons for performing good acts? In the Book of Ephesians (2:4-5. 8-9), Paul talks about trying to work our way unto salvation. In his letter to the church of Ephesus, Paul makes it very clear that we can never do enough good to earn a spot in heaven.

In these passages, we also learn of the spiritual quickening or life-giving power through spiritual rebirth that Jesus was talking about in the Book of John (6:63). Here, Jesus teaches us that efforts of the flesh mean nothing without the power of the Holy Spirit. This is an important topic that Paul also discusses in his letter to Titus (3:5-8) and again in the Book of Romans (8:11).

For many, it is difficult to understand and accept the brokenness of man. That ALL have fallen short and are sinners. Salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned. Even harder is the understanding that a good, moral person who tries to do all the right things in life needs Jesus just as much as someone totally lost in sin.

However, it is just as important to remember that biblical truth tells us that our good works are a necessary and natural by-product of our faith. In fact, God's Word clearly tells us that we cannot have one without the other...

Pastor Aaron