posted by steve | on Gospel & Christian Living
In an interview with Marcia Segelstein, Tim Keller said this about moralism:
“If you believe God accepts you because you believe the right things and refrain from the wrong things, you’re a moralist. If, on the other hand, you believe and refrain from the wrong things because you’ve been saved by sheer grace having nothing to do with your works at all, then you’re not a moralist. At the behavioral level, moralists and Christians tend to live pretty much alike. But their attitude, their voice, their approach to people who differ with them is radically different.”
The article continues:
In Jesus’s day, the Pharisees were moralists. They believed their behavior made them right with God, which led to feelings of superiority. Believing that God’s acceptance and love are based purely on grace is, as Dr. Keller puts it, “profoundly humbling.”
(click here to read the rest of the article)
4 Responses to “Are You A Christian Or A Moralist?”
pablo on 23 Apr 2009 at 8:00 am #
the first quote is great. i like how it says that they look the same. very true.
Jennifer Sarinana on 24 Apr 2009 at 12:38 pm #
They do look the same…and churches are filled with them! I pray for them… and pray for myself…that I might not be a “Modern-Day Pharisse”.
Jennifer Sarinana on 24 Apr 2009 at 12:39 pm #
P.S- Where can I buy that shirt? I want to wear it to church.
haha
Just Kidding! =D
Teresita on 04 May 2009 at 11:03 am #
It is such a fine line between the two. Confusing as well. I am struggling with how to live by Faith according to the gospel. And at times the bible can be confusing. Pray for me too.