While we are zealous for good works, let us be careful not to put them in the place of Christ's righteousness, and not to advance anything which may betray others into so dreadful a delusion.
-Matthew Henry
How often are we filled with delusion, we think that our works are our own credit?
I read this, and was rebuked.
Often when people give praise for something done, it is easy to think or say 'oh, it is all God'. When really deep down there is the thought 'I really am a good person, look at the stuff I do'.
We should not give up on doing good works. We should be 'zealous' for them. But at the same time, holding them up to the light of what Christ did on the cross, we need to be humbled. We need to be reminded continually that there is nothing that we can do to earn our salvation, and that good works are a response to that salvation.
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1 comment:
Bw, there are probably two angles here, which you have blended. One angle is humility, which is service without self-admiration and the other is the mistaken view that 'I don't like the idea of a gift of salvation, because did not get an opportunity to demonstrate my abilities.'This is a real middle class sin. The poor are grateful. The middle class are offended!
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