Cant someone serving Christ mearly to save himself and be emotionally satis considered a mercinary for Christ? Who would agree that there are many Mercenaries for Christ in our society only worried about thier own status, happiness, and salvation? (Socratic question not one of judgement for those who judge will be judged)
2007-12-29 11:37:40 · 3 answers · asked by Jason 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I agree with the two previous responses.
A Christian seeks to be like Christ and therefore is driven to do good works out of love and obedience.
The motive for good works as a means to save himself or to alleviate guilt is an attempt to "buy" salvation, which the Christian faith insists is not possible. One can not gain the Kingdom by deeds.
Good works are the result of salvation, not the means to it.
Now you can still call a person who does good works a "Mercenary for God". A mercenary is like a contractor. He works alongside those who have committed to a cause, but he is not one of them. The mercenary is generally well paid for his efforts, but when the mercenary's contract is terminated, he is once again all alone.
2007-12-31 21:57:02 · answer #1 · answered by sparc77 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
Gods Word says that faith without works is dead and the works we should do are wielding the sword of the Spirit.
Jesus said that we are to do the same works that He did. (Heal the sick, take authority over demonic spirits, e.t.c.) Jesus was sent to destroy the works of the devil.
Couch potatoes for Christ are not mercenaries.
2007-12-30 23:52:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
God knows our hearts, and so knows if why we do what we do. Only He can judge, but I imagine that doing things only for self-preservation wouldn't deem as worthy as doing things for your fellow man.
2007-12-31 19:57:05 · answer #3 · answered by Tasha 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋