In his letter to the...
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In his letter to the Galatians, Paul argues against the notion that we are made good because of our good deeds. Instead, he says, we do good because we have previously been made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. We do what we already are. We act consistent with what we have become by grace.
This is contrary to what some behavioral scientists think. I recently read an article which cited several authorities who believe we do good deeds for selfish reasons -- e.g. to avoid guilt, to win praise, to ease our own sorrow. That point of view seems unduly cynical. Indeed, other experts argue human beings are capable of genuine altruism. One psychologist sums the matter up by saying, "People jump on grenades to save the lives of others."
This latter point of view is consistent with Paul's words to the church at Galatia. People really can be wonderful. Humans can act with compassion and justice. Not to win salvation. Not for some selfish gain. But because they are good people who really care for others. The question is -- how did they become good? Paul would say they were made righteous or justified by grace through Jesus Christ. Chances are such people have benefited from the influence of spiritual parents, teachers, friends, and others, who themselves were the willing or unwitting instruments of God's grace.
This is contrary to what some behavioral scientists think. I recently read an article which cited several authorities who believe we do good deeds for selfish reasons -- e.g. to avoid guilt, to win praise, to ease our own sorrow. That point of view seems unduly cynical. Indeed, other experts argue human beings are capable of genuine altruism. One psychologist sums the matter up by saying, "People jump on grenades to save the lives of others."
This latter point of view is consistent with Paul's words to the church at Galatia. People really can be wonderful. Humans can act with compassion and justice. Not to win salvation. Not for some selfish gain. But because they are good people who really care for others. The question is -- how did they become good? Paul would say they were made righteous or justified by grace through Jesus Christ. Chances are such people have benefited from the influence of spiritual parents, teachers, friends, and others, who themselves were the willing or unwitting instruments of God's grace.
