Chapter 11: God’s Eternal Character

Page 51

evil behavior are to be expelled from the Church. We are not to live with sinners inside the Church. We are not to judge sinners outside the Church.

Christian mythology includes the false teaching that there is no reward

for a good man who does not know Jesus Christ. God’s salvation will be discussed in greater detail in the next chapter. However, God’s eternal character does include rewarding those who do good during this earthly life. Indeed, the righteous [good] people belong to God and He will reward them even without Jesus Christ. This is not just semantics. That is why Peter said

he was convinced that righteous people in all nations belonged to God!

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He [God] delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23

“A good man obtains favor from the Lord, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.” Proverbs 12:2

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.” Matthew 12:35

“But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the

unthankful and evil.” Luke 6:35

“For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” Acts 11:24

God Punishes Evil People & Rewards Good People!

God is a jealous God! Everyone should know that attribute of His. From that characteristic, you may feel it is justified to take Him seriously when He says not to worship idols or otherwise engage in forms of idolatry. Would you worship Moses? Why do you worship Jesus? Did Jesus say to