THE WORKS OF THE HEATHEN

By Gary Ray Branscome

The Bible tells us that “When the Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, they… show the work of the law written in their hearts” (Romans 2:14-15). And, because the law of God is in their hearts, they can conduct themselves in a way that is praiseworthy, at least from man’s point of view. However, it would be a mistake for us to assume that any praiseworthy behavior on their part could ever make them acceptable to God. I am not saying that the good things they do are not good. That is not the issue. What I am saying is that the whole idea that good works somehow merit a blessing is a delusion. The words, “When you have done everything that you were commanded to do, say, We are unworthy servants: for we have only done what it was our duty to do,” tell us that our best is only what is expected of us, not something exceptional (Luke 17:10).

Furthermore, because “No man living is righteous” in the sight of God, no heathen person is going to be free of sin (Psalm 143:2). And, the very idea of balancing good works against sins is as silly as a bank robber saying to the judge, “Don’t the banks that I did not rob make up for the ones that I did rob?” Because we are all sinners the Bible tells us that, “Without faith [and thus without the forgiveness that is ours through faith in Christ] it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6).

Another thing to consider is that the heathen, “are all estranged from” God “through their idols” (Ezekiel 14:5). Because the heathen are breaking the first commandment, the words, “Whoever keeps the whole law, yet fails in one point, is guilty of all,” apply (James 2:10). And, the very fact that the words, “All of our righteousnesses are like filthy rags,” tell us that the righteous deeds of believers are not acceptable apart from forgiveness, should make it clear that apart from forgiveness in Christ it is impossible for anyone to gain God’s favor.

That being said, if God chooses to bless an unbeliever because that unbeliever has shown kindness to one of His children, it is not because that kindness merits a blessing, but because God is trying to bring that person to repentance (Rom. 2:4).