Can a Person Be Good Without God?

The Bible’s Verdict on Human Goodness

Can a person be good without God? Well, the Bible says no one is righteous and no one does good, not even one person. Whoa, hold on! People who aren't Christians do good things all the time. A person doesn't need God to love, be selfless, or considerate of others.

Okay, can a godless person do nice things? Sure, anyone is capable of upstanding moral character, displaying kindness and charity toward others expecting nothing in return. But apart from God, their motivations, no matter how genuine, are wicked and self-serving.

Self-Righteousness and the Problem of Pride

When a person thinks they can be good without God, they're claiming they're better than God. I don't need you or your word. I can be righteous by myself. That's called self-righteousness. Do you really think God would let anyone into heaven proclaiming their own glory?

The Bible says that whatever is not done in faith is sin, and even our best deeds are as filthy rags before a holy God. No one goes to heaven by being a good person because no one can do anything good.

Salvation Through Jesus Christ

If that's the case, then what hope do we have? The answer is Jesus. Romans 3 goes on to say that the righteousness of God has been given through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. Believers in Christ wear His righteousness, and now when God looks at us, He sees not our filthy rags, but the perfection of His Son.

Belief in Jesus is not because we need a moral code, it's because we need salvation from death. God so loved us that He sent His only Son, and whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

God Equips His People for What Is Pleasing in His Sight

Through Jesus, God equips us with everything good, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight when we understand the text.