“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
What about all the people who don’t believe in God but do good things?
Do non-Christians do good works? Sure, in terms of loving their neighbor. I’ve seen non-Christians care for the sick and even give their lives for someone else. These are certainly good works towards their fellow man.
However, will those good deeds make them righteous? Are they good works in terms of loving God? No. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. This shouldn’t surprise us. How can you please someone whom you are rejecting?
The Other Side of the Coin
So, what then can we do that does please God? Faith. Believing in God and His Son, Jesus Christ, is how we please God. As Jesus said in the Gospel of John:
“Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’” – John 6:28-29
Faith is the key. We cannot please God without faith and faith is the one thing God wants from us. All these other works and good, benefit us and our neighbors and can please God because of faith, but it’s the faith that ultimately pleases Him and is counted as righteousness.
Praise the Lord! We are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus.
Heavenly Father,
Hold me firmly in the faith You have given for my salvation and may I rest in that gracious gift for my salvation.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
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