WHY THIS?

This is a noble claim and admirable goal (assuming what you've learned is godly, and by "try to" you mean "do", and by "all" you include God).

It just isn't enough in itself to result in God someday telling you, "Good enough." We are commanded to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect.

Jesus is the one with whom God is well pleased, so it is his life that needs to be exhibited when we stand in judgment before him.

 

 

 

"I try to live by the values I've learned with malice toward none and charity for all."

 

 

RESPONSE:

To the extent that might describe you, I think that is both honorable and commendable. But that no more qualifies you to coexist with God in his holy perfection than a freshly washed cockroach is clean enough to live on my wife's kitchen counter. No offense; none of us are, save for the redeeming work of Christ on the cross (to be with God, that is; you're probably okay for my wife's kitchen).

There are different ways this topic could go, many of which are covered elsewhere. But for here, let me share this verse from Matthew 19 (NIV) talking about the insufficiency of living a decent life:

"'All these [commandments] I have kept,' the young man said. 'What do I still lack?' Jesus answered, 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth."

Jesus' point wasn't about the money, as many godly figures from ancient times to modern day have had great wealth. Jesus' point was about the man's unwillingness to completely surrender himself to the Lord. Indeed, "Lord" is the one to whom you must say yes. So in responding "no" to Jesus' command, the man revealed Jesus was not his Lord. He lacked submission. The fact that he lacked anything at all, in terms of being compatible with a perfect and holy God, was enough to disqualify him from glory.

Have you kept the ten commandments perfectly plus completely submitted yourself to following the Lord? Only Jesus Christ has. The only way we can qualify for glory is by taking up his righteousness which God offers as a gift to us through faith in him. That alone is the foundation upon which to continue your life in Christ's values, exercising malice toward none and charity for all.

 


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See also:

What is the Gospel?

Do sincere unbelievers still deserve to burn in hell?

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