Quote Source – Reader on Medium

A Biblical Christian worldview perspective – A reader, wishing to express a form of universalism, offered his theology that we all can do good deeds for others and receive credit from Christ. There is no need to follow Christ or the Bible.

My response was that it is not the good deeds done by man that separate the believer from the non-believer. It is the underlying reason we try to be a “good neighbor” (Luke 10:27).

Often outward signs are the same activities or provide the same ultimate benefits or outcomes. What is important is the source of motivation.

Our human spirit prompts the first, out of a need to be appreciated by man.

The Holy Spirit often prompts the second, always occurring after salvation and initiated by an unquenchable desire to follow the Lord’s will because we love Him, we have faith in Him, and we desire to serve Him.

The difference between these two motivations for being a good neighbor could not be more significant.

To the first group….

On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ – Matthew 7:22-23

To the second group…

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10

Author – Jeff Hilles | BCWorldview.org 

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words

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