Exploring Goodness Apart from God
Exploring the nature of virtue in those who do not profess faith in Christ.
Imagine your neighbor, Jim. He’s a devoted father, a generous volunteer at the local shelter, and a pillar of kindness in your community. Yet, Jim openly professes no faith in Christ. This raises a profound question: Can someone like Jim, who does not acknowledge God, truly do good?
The Appearance of Goodness
From a human perspective, Jim's actions are commendable. He feeds the hungry, cares for his family, and contributes positively to society. These deeds align with what many would label as "good." However, Scripture provides a deeper lens through which to examine such actions.
Romans 3:12 states, "All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." This verse suggests that apart from God, even our best deeds fall short of true goodness.
Jonathan Edwards on True Virtue
The 18th-century theologian Jonathan Edwards offers insight into this dilemma. In his work The Nature of True Virtue, Edwards distinguishes between "common morality" and "true virtue." He posits that true virtue arises from a heart transformed by God's love, aiming to glorify Him above all else.
Edwards writes, "True virtue most essentially consists in benevolence to being in general" This means that genuine goodness is rooted in a love for God and His creation, motivated by a desire to honor Him.
Particular vs. General Beauty
Edwards introduces the concepts of "particular beauty" and "general beauty." Particular beauty refers to actions that appear good in isolation, like Jim's volunteer work. General beauty, however, considers the broader context actions done with the intention of glorifying God.
An act may seem virtuous on the surface but lacks true virtue if it doesn't stem from a heart aligned with God's purposes. As Edwards explains, "That only is what I mean by true virtue, which is beautiful by a general beauty"
The Role of Motive
The motive behind an action is crucial. A non-believer might perform good deeds out of empathy or societal obligation, but without the intention to honor God, these acts don't constitute true virtue.
This aligns with the biblical assertion that "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6). Faith transforms our motives, aligning them with God's will.
Engaging with Non-Believers
Does this mean Christians should avoid collaborating with non-believers in charitable endeavors? Not necessarily. While the ultimate motives may differ, the immediate outcomes feeding the hungry, aiding the poor are beneficial.
Christians can participate in such efforts, bringing the light of Christ into these spaces and potentially influencing others towards faith.
Reflecting on Our Own Actions
This discussion also prompts self-examination. Are our good deeds motivated by a desire to glorify God, or are they driven by self-interest or societal approval? True virtue requires a heart transformed by God's grace, seeking His glory above all.
Conclusion
While non-believers like Jim can perform acts that appear good, true virtue, as defined by Scripture and theologians like Jonathan Edwards, is rooted in a love for God and a desire to glorify Him. As Christians, we recognize the value in these actions but understand that without faith, they fall short of true goodness.
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