Q: Why can't the good we do make us right with God, or at least help make us right with him?
A: Because the righteousness
which can pass God's scrutiny
must be entirely perfect
and must in every way measure up to the divine law.1
Even the very best we do in this life
is imperfect
and stained with sin.2
1 Rom. 3:20; Gal. 3:10 (Deut. 27:26)
2 Isa. 64:6
Q: How can you say that the good we do doesn't earn anything when God promises to reward it in this life and the next?1
A: This reward is not earned;
it is a gift of grace.2
1 Matt. 5:12; Heb. 11:6
2 Luke 17:10; 2 Tim. 4:7-8
Q: But doesn't this teaching make people indifferent and wicked?
A: No.
It is impossible
for those grafted into Christ by true faith
not to produce fruits of gratitude.1
1 Luke 6:43-45; John 15:5