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What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness ...
(Romans 4:1-5)

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Do you agree with this quotation? XXIV

by Matthew

An exam candidate I was marking (probably aged 16) wrote:

Some more selfish Christians try to live a moral life because they hope to be rewarded by going to heaven. However, the problem with this view is that their motives are wrong and they may not be let into heaven at all.

posted by Matthew Celestine at 5:24 AM

6 Comments:

  • He is right - if we come to God thinking that we are going to be "rewarded with heaven" for being moral then our motives... and a few other things... are all wrog.

    By Blogger Rose~, at Thursday, June 19, 2008 7:24:00 PM  

  • email notification comment.

    By Blogger Rose~, at Thursday, June 19, 2008 7:24:00 PM  

  • Hi, Matthew.

    I'm confused by the phrasing. I agree that trying to live a moral life is not what gets one into heaven - but it seems the student is focusing on why it's not right to be motivated by a reward. ??

    I think this is what confuses me about the oft repeated Free Grace phrase "Believe in Jesus for Eternal Life." That statement always sounds like "Believe in Jesus for the GRAND PRIZE!"

    I think I believe its true, but something about the phrase rubs wrong.

    Missy

    By Blogger Missy, at Thursday, June 19, 2008 10:16:00 PM  

  • Quite right, Rose.

    By Blogger Matthew Celestine, at Friday, June 20, 2008 12:16:00 AM  

  • Missy

    "I think this is what confuses me about the oft repeated Free Grace phrase "Believe in Jesus for Eternal Life." That statement always sounds like "Believe in Jesus for the GRAND PRIZE!""

    It is a mistake to view eternal life as a prize.

    What is eternal life?

    Eternal life is the very life of God, the source of all life and goodness.

    To receive eternal life is to become one with God.

    What is believing?

    Believing is simply trust.


    It is not a thing that is worthy of any reward, but simply a recognition that a gift has been offered and a receipt of it.

    Every Blessing in Christ

    Matthew

    By Blogger Matthew Celestine, at Friday, June 20, 2008 12:19:00 AM  

  • "To receive eternal life is to become one with God."

    Thanks, Matthew. I get that.

    Missy

    By Blogger Missy, at Friday, June 20, 2008 5:00:00 AM  

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