Victor opens by revisiting the original question: Can unbelievers do good works? He refers to Romans 1 to argue that unregenerate individuals exchange the glory of God for images of corruptible man, leading to the conclusion that all so-called good works are inherently tainted by this false worship. According to Victor, any good works performed by unbelievers ultimately serve mankind rather than God, constituting idolatry.
He highlights Romans 1:21-25, emphasizing that even though unbelievers may claim they do not worship anyone else, in reality, they worship their own desires once they reject God’s truth. This misguided worship results in them being enslaved to their lusts and desires, as God “gave them over” to these impurities.
Victor elaborates on the connection between worship and service, citing Ephesians 2 and 1 John, to identify a pattern: if individuals do not seek God’s glory, they will inevitably seek to fulfill their own corrupt desires. He introduces what he refers to as the “big three” – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life, framing these as the foundation of an unbeliever’s moral constitution. He critiques the notion of following one’s heart and instincts, arguing that it reflects the deceitfulness of the unregenerate heart.
Throughout the episode, Victor asserts that the definition of good works must center on glorifying God. He stresses that because unbelievers have exchanged God’s standards for their own, their understanding of goodness is distorted. They often perceive themselves as good people, but this view arises from their anthropocentric moral framework rather than divine standards.
Victor concludes by stating that genuine good works cannot stem from a heart defined by lust and self-interest. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of Christ, who met God’s standards, and calls for a return to pure worship and service to God. He closes with a prayer asking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in revealing areas of deceit in believers’ lives.
