We have lived under the shadow of the theories written by Jean Jacque Rousseau, his ‘Tabula Rasa’ (Blank Slate). Rousseau believed that people were born ‘good’ and that they were conditioned to be evil. This view stood in opposition to the prevailing view at the time of Original Sin.
I have no interest in debating which of these theories is correct. I will not deny that circumstances do impact our development. But it’s also correct that every human is born with the forces of good and evil within their own souls. Maybe it’s too simple to adhere to one view or the other.
But I will take issue with the fruit that springs from Rousseau’s ideas. The concept that people are basically good. My generation was brought up on this. Trust the goodness in others. People are good at heart. In our society, yes this has been true. And in an general way we can say this. But…
There is behind this an idea that we are essentially good. That the goodness is found in our humanity. This idea hits us hardest when bad things happen to us. “Why is this happening to me? I am a good person.” Or we try to help those who are suffering, “Such a deserving case, they are such good people.”
This idea sits at the root of our struggle with not trying to earn our way to heaven. We know God’s gift is big. We understand Jesus died for us while we were still sinners. But, we’re pretty good too. God is going to reach out for us, cause we are the sort of good people he wants to save.
In addition, it can lead people to not see the need for God. We find justification in our own goodness and don’t look any further.
God is either lucky to have us, or we have no need for Him.
Sorry, this is wrong.
We are not enough. We are not good.
I don’t deserve grace. You don’t deserve grace. No one deserves grace.
But we’ve been given it any how. Not because we are good.
We have been given grace because God is good.
Matthew 19: 17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied.
“There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”
Roberta Writes 
Good thoughts, Roberta! My lesson this week has me reflecting on the fact that I was brought up to not talk about grace too much. Grace was like a very sharp knife…. something that must be handled with care! I think the worry was that people would take advantage of grace (a la Romans 6 “Lets go on sinning that grace may abound”. And it is true…. people may try to take advantage of God’s grace…. but here is the thing: There is no alternative! We have no other message than “Jesus Christ and him crucified”. I think you have hit on something really important… the idea that we are good puts the focus on the wrong place….. us instead of God! Jesus said, “Be perfect as my father is perfect”. Anyone who can do that, can stand on there own. Everyone else (everyone) needs grace…. and that needs to be our message.
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I agree. It also keeps us from being arrogant in our grace. It should be the most levelling element in our psyche. We shouldn’t compare ourselves to other sinners but to God. It’s actually kind of scary. Haha!! Looking forward to your Sunday message Tim! Thanks for sharing your sermons!!
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I completely agree with both of you! Refreshing truth!!
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