THE TRUTH IN PRINT, Vol. 8, Issue 3, April 2002

A Publication of the VALLEY CHURCH OF CHRIST,

2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ. 85364

(928) 539-7089

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THE GOOD PERSON

By Bob W. Lovelace

Matthew recorded this event in the life of Jesus: “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments” (Matthew 19:16-17 ). We note that Jesus did not hesitate to tell this young man to keep the commandments! His reply to Jesus: “He saith unto him, Which?” (vs. 18). To this Jesus said, “Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself ” (vs. 18-19). In return the young man said, "All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” (vs. 20). The man is contemplating the matter of insufficiency in what he has done thus far. Jesus replied, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (vs. 21). But he did not accept what Jesus said in such a way as to apply it to himself. Matthew says, “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions” (verse 22).

Jesus did not call him back. Dear reader will you agree that there is indeed a distinction to be made between man’s idea that being “good” is good enough, when compared with the necessity of keeping Christ’s commandments in order that one might gain eternal life?

Joseph of Arimathea was a good man. Luke says, “And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just” (Lk. 23:50). The word "good" is the Gk. word agathos meaning “good :- generous(m) (NASB Dict. Help). The word "just" is translated "righteous" in NASB. Prior to this he had shown impeccable conduct among his peers by not accepting their condemnation of Jesus before hearing him out. He did not go along with their plots to kill Jesus. Matthew tells us of course that this "righteous" man had become Jesus' disciple by this time (Matt. 27:57-58). Thus we learn that this “good” man became a disciple of Christ. Moreover he displayed courage when going in and asking for the body of Jesus at the time of His burial.

People are often mistaken as to whether or not one is a good person. Such was certainly true with regard to Jesus. John says, “And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people" (John 7:12).

Among those in the scripture enjoying this distinction is Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37; 11:24). Luke’s description is, “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith” (Acts 11:24. Moreover we are told there that “as a result of his efforts much people was added unto the Lord." We learn that as a result of this “good” man’s efforts many people were added to the Lord!

Paul distinguishes between the affection some might have for a good man versus a righteous man. He says, “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die” (Rom. 5:7). Some might be bold enough to die for a good man, Paul said. However it is abundantly clear from the context that no one is excluded from the next statement he makes. Hear Paul, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinner, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). And this connects in the context with Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Moreover he said this in a context explaining the need that all men have for justification by Christ’s blood in order to be saved from wrath through Him (Rom. 5:9; cp. 2 Cor. 5:11).

Give some thought to this point that Jesus made on doing good. He said, “And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same” (Luke 6:33). He also said, "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" (Lk. 11:13)

Even the worst of mankind can be known for doing something good (See Lk. 18:2-5, the unjust judge).

Dear reader the ordinary general distinction that people make between the bad and the good is not a canonical distinction. This "general" distinction in no way means that the "good" are all saved!

What God says about the good person,

To the young man whom we have read about Jesus said, “Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments" (Matt. 19:17). Do you know anyone who is as good as God? Certainly not! Moreover man's unrighteousness only demonstrates the righteousness of God, Paul said (Rom. 3:5) Hear Paul,

“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God” (Rom. 3:19). Since all have sinned and are accountable to God Paul declares, "What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin” (Rom. 3:9). For this very reason Paul explains that there is a righteousness of God that comes by faith in Christ. He says, “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference” (Rom. 3:22).

What Paul said concerning Jews and Gentiles is still true today. No man will be saved just because he has a particular quality of "goodness" about him. All have sinned and Paul says the wages of sin is death, Rom. 6:23. The apostle John confirms what Paul said stating that Jesus “is is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" (I John 2:2). There is a perspective, then, wherein as one considers man's relationship with God thus comparing man's actions with God's righteousness, and His righteous requirements, that all good men must hear and obey in order to be saved. For that very reason Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16). None are excluded based upon them just being a "good" person.

Two more points from Jesus,

In the parable of the sower Jesus described the seed (the Word) sown upon “good” ground. Luke records, “ And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 8:8). Jesus’ explanation of those represented by the “good” ground then follows. Hear Jesus, "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience" (Lk. 8:15). The conjunction “and” joins both “honest” and “good” together! Both are descriptive of the heart that heard and obeyed.

Likewise in the parable of the talents Jesus taught about the good and faithful steward. That servant will hear these words when He comes again, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord" (Matt. 25:21, 23). Notice the conjunction “and” joins “good” and “faithful” together. Both are descriptive of the servant who is faithful to and pleases God.

Dear reader the fact is that far too many, both young and old, have heard this gospel and and let the opportunity to obey slip by.

Are you too among those who think that being good is good enough? Well it’s not!

-------------- To learn more call, visit, or visit our website at the: Valley Church of Christ, 2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ. 85364. Church building: (928) 539-7089.

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