No Hiding Behind Religious Trappings
Grace (acquired through faith) transforms a heart which responds in obedience; but partial adherence to the law (ceremonial or moral) cannot and does not save you.
Judgment Day
Learning to Hate Hypocrisy
The hypocrisy of thinking we are “better than others” when in fact we all break God’s laws is terrible because it keeps us from seeing our need for Christ and gives onlookers cause for disdaining God’s people.
No Excuses About the Man in the Jungle
God is perfectly just to judge all people for their sins because he has provided a moral standard in human conscience which makes everyone culpable before God.
Paying Close Attention to Your Deeds
While eternal life cannot be earned (and is granted to the repentant who trust Christ), God’s retribution of both the redeemed and the lost will be based on what they do.
Making Sure You're Repentant
We must not misconstrue God’s current passivity and kindness toward sinners as approval of sin or a portend of the future; his patience should prompt us to repent.
Being Totally Honest About the Problem
Our ability to readily discern sin in others must be utilized in honestly appraising and admitting our own sinfulness as God’s unmerited forgiveness requires.