Visible Morality Insufficient

Summary:

Mere morality is not conclusive evidence of Christian Character. The man who is merely moral is a stranger to the living God. Vital religion is an active inward principle. The spirit of piety not only lives in the heart, but flows forth in the life. Mere morality falls far short of the religion of the cross. There is a wide distinction between moral virtues and Christian graces. The man who is merely moral lacks the one thing needful.

 

Outline:

• Mere morality is not conclusive evidence of Christian Character
  • An unblemished moral character is in itself so amiable that it not only commands the respect and esteem of others, but secures the confidence of those who possess it.
• The man who is merely moral is a stranger to the living God
  • The infinitely important duties which he owes to God, he keeps entirely out of sight.
• Vital religion is an operative principle
  • The spirit of piety not only lives in the heart, but flows forth in the life.
• There is a wide distinction between moral virtues and Christian graces
  • Christian graces spring from Christian motives. Moral virtues spring from selfish motives.
• But after all, he wants the one thing needful
  • He is without Christ; an alien from the commonwealth of Israel; a stranger from the covenants of promise.