Counsel #1 — Nothing Without Christ

Picture: Counsel #1 — Nothing Without ChristCCW 19.1

It’s easy to imagine that most people are good or can make themselves good. Most religions teach this. But the Bible paints a very different picture. According to the Bible, we can’t make ourselves good enough for God. We might appear to succeed for a time, but eventually, our feelings get in the way. Jesus said that hating someone is the same as if we had murdered them. Lusting after someone is the same as if we had committed adultery. Clearly, our best attempts to obey God are not good enough. We all struggle with unholy desires and feelings, even if we can control our outward behavior. That’s why Jesus told us that we must rely on His power working in us. Without His indwelling presence, we can’t be righteous.^{[34]https://newenglandpastor.wordpress.com/2014/11/07/ellen-white-on-total-depravity/}CCW 19.2

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NKJVCCW 19.3

“[W]e must understand that not one holy thought, not one unselfish act, can be originated in self. It is only through Christ that there can be any virtue in humanity. Without Christ we can do no good thing, but with him we may do all things.” Ellen White in Review and Herald November 11, 1890, par. 11 CCW 19.4

Reflect: How does this perspective influence the way you view your actions and intentions in relation to salvation?CCW 19.5