Christians, is it true that although you might do good things in life they are for selfish reasons?

Question

When you are good natured is it not true that you are being that way so you will go to heaven and not hell? The motivation for you is purely selfish. I act in a good natured way as I believe in treating my fellow humans with respect (even gay people who you seem to have issue with) If an atheist acted in a decent way I would know that this person is acting from their own free will which is more commendable than a religious motive, anyone agree?

jeff w <…-Yes good point indeed.

Answer 1

No, I don't agree. Christians are NOT saved through the completion of good works. Our salvation come by our Faith in Jesus Christ. If we could earn our way into heaven then Christ died in vain. The Bible is very clear on this subject:
Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Any Good works that we do it is because Jesus choose them for us to do. They are His good works not ours. Liken that to evil we sometimes get involved in. It isn't us doing it but sin that is still in us. As long as we walk in these bodies of flesh we are subject to their lusts. Jim

Answer 2

Going down the same line, do you feel good when you do something for someone else, or when you do a good thing? Isn't that selfish?

No, I don't believe it is. It all comes down to motive.

If you do the right thing and make sure everyone knows about it, then your are being selfish (Look at me! Aren't I wonderful? Don't you wish you were more like me?)

If you give someone something only because you want something in return or to 'hold a favor' then you are being selfish. (Remember when I paid your bill at the restaurant when you lost your wallet? Well now I want you to do this...)

However, if you or I do something for the sake of helping someone else and don't expect or want anything from it, then it is unselfish.

Works alone don't get you into heaven, and if you are doing works for the soul purpose of getting a crown of glory, your motivation is wrong.

I believe that ALL people are capable of unselfish acts.

Answer 3

no, you can do good things just to be good, just most aren't. but still, as you reject Christ, it's like a slap in the face without apology: not exactly the kind of thing you'd want in Heaven.

people tend to do things for acclaim, to try and make up for their own wrong (while still rejecting Christ), to try and earn their way to Heaven, etc. all of these are invalid reasons in God's eyes.

and for the record, I have a problem with homosexuality but not the people themselves. I'll have a problem with an individual if the upset me personally, but that's a personal issue and I don't judge a group for the acts of few. the Bible does say that homosexual acts are sinful, but no more wrong than disobeying the 10 commandments, having sex before marriage, etc.

why does God have a problem with it? the best answer I can give you is that it goes against nature and God's plan for families. when I say nature, I don't mean biological presets, I mean the natural order for human sociology, sexual relations and the God-approved status quo. God outlined how He wishes marriage and sexual/romnantic relations to be done.

but technically, as with any sin, if you don't believe it's right, don't condone it, and don't practice it, you have not sinned homosexually. if the feelings are a problem, get help, but God doesn't condemn someone for having the urge to sin. sinning is giving into immoral urges of any kind.

Answer 4

That would be a good point if it were true. Christians don't do "good deeds" because we fear going to Hell, nor do we do it in order to get to Heaven. We do it because God has instructed us to love others as He has loved us, which is mercifully and selflessly.

It's not only an act of obedience, but God literally breathes His spirit into us, reconstructs our hearts, changes our lives, and makes us actually WANT to serve others rather than ourselves. There's absolutely no fear involved.

Granted, there are those out there who do things for selfish reasons, whatever they may be. However, Christians are not called to fear, nor to do anything selfishly. We're called to be selfless and forgiving. Those who keep everything in their life Christ centered are that way.

Answer 5

NO not necessarily. Because the Bible says in James 2:26
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.

You can't have faith without actually doing works.
*Example you constantly say you want to stop smoking. You have all the faith in the world that if your gunna stop smoking, but you won't stop smoking 3 packs a day.?. You actually have to set it in your heart and mind that your gunna stop smoking, than seek professional help or just up and stop smoking.
You can have faith but if you don't do something about the situation, it's pointless.
God can only do so much. We have a part to do, and than we have to step in and take over so he can finish whatever it is that needs to be finished.
BUT...just because you are "good natured" doesn't assure you that you automatically have a ticket into heaven. It's that fact that you believe in the fact that Christ is the Son of God.
If everyone did "good works" than everyone would go to heaven, but the Bible doesn't say that. Whether you are "good natured" or just alone "good works" and do not believe that Christ is the Son of God and if he is not the Lord of Your life, your good works and Your "Good" nature means nothing. It's not really impressing God, because your not fully his, you have not given yourself totally up to him.

Answer 6

There is truly no selfless act. It doesn't matter if you are christian or athiest. If you act in a good natured way to get treated that way in return then I suppose you are getting something in return...If you help an old lady cross the street you are not truly doing it for the hell of it...think about it

Answer 7

That is why God tells us we are not saved by works-- we are saved by HIS grace (Ephesians 2:8) So that no one will boast.
Also the Bible tells us that without faith without works is dead. So when we are doing good works, we do it for the Lord! Because of our faith in Him! Not because we think it will get us a place in heaven.....we want to glorify God in all we do, so when we do something "good" it is because Christ lives in us. We are made a new person through Him- a new creation as the Bible says.
Of course many people do good things for selfish gain--- But when you are being a servant of God, you are applying works to your faith in Him! Because you love Him!

Answer 8

I do good things because it makes me feel good. It makes me happy when I'm able to help someone else. Yes, I know that's what God wants me to do, but buying my ticket to Heaven is not my only motivation. It doesn't matter to me what you think my motivations are, it's only important to me.

Answer 9

It is not acting "good natured" or doing good things that gets you into Heaven, it is a belief and following of Christ. Christ is the example of how we should act for the benefit of ourselves, AND our fellow man, but most of all for His glory.

Answer 10

I am christian, sometimes I am good, and sometimes not so good...... However, I am not good just so I will get in to heaven.... and yes, homosexuality is a sin...... against God and nature. Sexual intercourse is only acceptable when shared between a man and woman who are married.....not two dudes just wanting to be perverts and gets their jollies....
I believe that all humans are sellfish and all humans are sinners. it is our nature..... we alll fall short of God's glory.....
but we try to do our best to live up to his standards for us.....
I help people and do kind things to help others, not myself!