.jpeg)
The Deadly Danger of Moralism!
Charles Spurgeon, et al.
(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
Proverbs 14:12, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."
One of Satan's most subtle and damning deceptions is "moralism"--the idea that man, by his own supposed goodness, can commend himself to God.
Moralism substitutes external reform, for internal regeneration.
It preaches behavior change, apart from the new birth.
It is content with polished external conduct, while the heart remains unwashed.
And it is leading multitudes to Hell!
Moralism often dresses itself in religious acts.
It promotes virtue, and applauds kindness.
It speaks of honesty, and decency.
But its fatal flaw is this:
It offers these things apart from Christ.
It seeks to be right with God, without the righteousness of God.
It promotes "virtue" without the power of the Holy Spirit.
It promotes morality--but despises the Savior.
The Pharisees of old were moral men. They fasted, prayed, and gave alms. Yet Jesus said to them, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs...outwardly you appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness!" (Matthew 23:27-28).
Moralism is deadly because it convinces the sinner that he needs no Savior. It flatters human pride. It whispers, "You are not that bad! God will surely accept you--look at all your good deeds." It blinds the heart to man's true condition: "dead in trespasses and sins," utterly depraved, and without hope apart from the saving grace of God. No amount of morality can change the leper's spots, or cleanse the defiled soul.
What then is the remedy? It is not to be better, but to be born again. It is not to do more, but to despair of doing anything that could be acceptable to God--and to cast oneself wholly upon the mercy of God in Christ. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us…" (Titus 3:5). Salvation is not earned by morality--it is a gift from God to undeserving sinners. Salvation is not achieved--but received. Salvation is not by merit--but by grace.
Dear reader, have you been trusting in your morality, instead of Christ? Flee from every false refuge! Cast away your pride. Confess your utter sinfulness. Cling to the Savior who alone can wash away your sin, and robe you in His perfect righteousness. Every form of moralism leads to damnation! Only the Gospel leads to eternal life. "To Him who does not work, but trusts God who justifies the wicked--his faith is credited as righteousness" (Romans 4:5). Hallelujah! What a Savior!
