The god behind the ‘Good Works’ of Unbelievers

Home / KQ2 / The god behind the ‘Good Works’ of Unbelievers
The god behind the ‘Good Works’ of Unbelievers
This episode addresses the root reason why unbelievers are often adamant about their ability to do good works. Works can be described as “good” in so far as they serve some purpose. Since mankind was created for God’s glory (Isaiah 43:7), but has nevertheless fallen short of that glory (Romans 3:23), his works can not logically be described as “good.” But if man rejects his purpose, that he was created for God’s glory, and even exchanges that glory for man’s glory, then the works of man are evaluated based on their service to the glory of man. Morality itself becomes a social construct ultimately aimed at the glory of man. Romans 1:18-25 traces the descent of exchanging the glory of God for an image in the form of corruptible man, concluding that man “worships and serves the creature rather than the Creator.” Very critically, unregenerate man rejects the glory of God as the purpose of man, suppressing the truth in unrighteousness, and substitutes himself as the object of worship. Morality and “good” works merely reflect the god that is served, so not surprisingly, many unbelievers insist that they do good works.
  • 00:00:12 – Introduction to Kingdom Questions
  • 00:00:35 – The Nature of Good Works
  • 00:01:24 – Pharisees and Hypocrisy
  • 00:02:17 – The Need for Internal Cleansing
  • 00:03:37 – Suppression of Truth in Unrighteousness
  • 00:05:03 – Created for God”s Glory
  • 00:06:04 – The Fall and Its Consequences
  • 00:09:02 – The Shift from God”s Glory to Man”s Glory
  • 00:10:24 – The Nature of Modern Morality
  • 00:12:47 – Closing Thoughts and Prayer
The god behind the ‘Good Works’ of Unbelievers
  • 00:00:12 – Introduction to Kingdom Questions
  • 00:00:35 – The Nature of Good Works
  • 00:01:24 – Pharisees and Hypocrisy
  • 00:02:17 – The Need for Internal Cleansing
  • 00:03:37 – Suppression of Truth in Unrighteousness
  • 00:05:03 – Created for God”s Glory
  • 00:06:04 – The Fall and Its Consequences
  • 00:09:02 – The Shift from God”s Glory to Man”s Glory
  • 00:10:24 – The Nature of Modern Morality
  • 00:12:47 – Closing Thoughts and Prayer
This episode addresses the root reason why unbelievers are often adamant about their ability to do good works. Works can be described as “good” in so far as they serve some purpose. Since mankind was created for God’s glory (Isaiah 43:7), but has nevertheless fallen short of that glory (Romans 3:23), his works can not logically be described as “good.” But if man rejects his purpose, that he was created for God’s glory, and even exchanges that glory for man’s glory, then the works of man are evaluated based on their service to the glory of man. Morality itself becomes a social construct ultimately aimed at the glory of man. Romans 1:18-25 traces the descent of exchanging the glory of God for an image in the form of corruptible man, concluding that man “worships and serves the creature rather than the Creator.” Very critically, unregenerate man rejects the glory of God as the purpose of man, suppressing the truth in unrighteousness, and substitutes himself as the object of worship. Morality and “good” works merely reflect the god that is served, so not surprisingly, many unbelievers insist that they do good works.

Episode Scripture References -

More About This Episode -

In this episode of “Kingdom Questions,” hosted by Victor Vigorito and introduced by a Voiceover, Victor addresses the topic of whether unbelievers can perform good works. He begins by referencing the Pharisees and their hypocritical behaviors, emphasizing that Jesus highlighted the need for inward cleanliness over mere outward appearances, as stated in Matthew 23. Victor points out that no one can purify themselves and that true good works stem from being born again, as articulated in John 3. Victor delves into Romans 1, asserting that unbelievers suppress the truth about God, which leads to a regression in their understanding of morality and good works. He discusses how all men are without excuse because God’s attributes are evident in creation, yet many choose to ignore this truth, resulting in futile speculations and darkened hearts. He explains that since the fall of man, there has been a shift in purpose from glorifying God to glorifying oneself. This alteration has implications for morality, as it becomes subjective and tailored to human needs rather than grounded in God’s unchanging standards. Victor argues that without a true acknowledgment of God’s glory, morality and ethics become malleable and serve the desires of corruptible humanity instead of the Creator. Victor concludes the discussion by asserting that because the focus has shifted from worshiping the Creator to serving the creature, the concept of good works among unbelievers is fundamentally flawed. He wraps up the episode with a prayer, providing thanks for the truth revealed by God and asking for the strength to honor Him and not suppress the truth.

Key Terms From This Episode -

– Main Topic: Can unbelievers perform good works? – Key Points Discussed: – Reference to Pharisees and their hypocrisy (Matthew 23) – Importance of inward cleanliness vs. outward appearances – True good works emerge from being born again (John 3) – Discussion of Romans 1: Unbelievers suppress the truth about God – Regression in understanding of morality and good works – All men are without excuse; God’s attributes are evident in creation – Shift from glorifying God to glorifying oneself since the fall of man – Subjectivity of morality tailored to human needs instead of God’s unchanging standards – Flawed concept of good works due to focus on serving the creature over the Creator – Conclusion: Prayer of gratitude for God’s truth and a plea for strength to honor Him

Episode Scripture References -

More About This Episode -

In this episode of “Kingdom Questions,” hosted by Victor Vigorito and introduced by a Voiceover, Victor addresses the topic of whether unbelievers can perform good works. He begins by referencing the Pharisees and their hypocritical behaviors, emphasizing that Jesus highlighted the need for inward cleanliness over mere outward appearances, as stated in Matthew 23. Victor points out that no one can purify themselves and that true good works stem from being born again, as articulated in John 3. Victor delves into Romans 1, asserting that unbelievers suppress the truth about God, which leads to a regression in their understanding of morality and good works. He discusses how all men are without excuse because God’s attributes are evident in creation, yet many choose to ignore this truth, resulting in futile speculations and darkened hearts. He explains that since the fall of man, there has been a shift in purpose from glorifying God to glorifying oneself. This alteration has implications for morality, as it becomes subjective and tailored to human needs rather than grounded in God’s unchanging standards. Victor argues that without a true acknowledgment of God’s glory, morality and ethics become malleable and serve the desires of corruptible humanity instead of the Creator. Victor concludes the discussion by asserting that because the focus has shifted from worshiping the Creator to serving the creature, the concept of good works among unbelievers is fundamentally flawed. He wraps up the episode with a prayer, providing thanks for the truth revealed by God and asking for the strength to honor Him and not suppress the truth.

Key Terms From This Episode -

– Main Topic: Can unbelievers perform good works? – Key Points Discussed: – Reference to Pharisees and their hypocrisy (Matthew 23) – Importance of inward cleanliness vs. outward appearances – True good works emerge from being born again (John 3) – Discussion of Romans 1: Unbelievers suppress the truth about God – Regression in understanding of morality and good works – All men are without excuse; God’s attributes are evident in creation – Shift from glorifying God to glorifying oneself since the fall of man – Subjectivity of morality tailored to human needs instead of God’s unchanging standards – Flawed concept of good works due to focus on serving the creature over the Creator – Conclusion: Prayer of gratitude for God’s truth and a plea for strength to honor Him
MORE KINGDOM QUESTION SERIES