A man asked me are Christians good people?

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ScottA

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Yes sir, Jesus was very zealous in those who disrespected his God. In fact, Jesus' followers are quite disturbed by those who bring reproach on Jehovah's name as well, especially if one of us do it. I will personally rejoice when God puts it into the hearts of the Kings of the earth to destroy babylon the great, I truly look forward to that day, so heeding God's warning it is imperative that those who are supporting her get out of her now. Rev 17:15-18:6
His destroying wind is afoot.
 

Ronald Nolette

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That is true for sure Ron. I will say however, that there are many good people in the world who are not Christians that I am very happy as having as my neighbors. I think most people try to be peaceable, who just desire to raise their families and enjoy life, and treat others well. Paul once phased it this way: (Romans 2:14, 15) 14 For when people of the nations, who do not have law, do by nature the things of the law, these people, although not having law, are a law to themselves. 15 They are the very ones who demonstrate the matter of the law to be written in their hearts. . .


Well "good" for people is always very subjective. We call someone "good" because they meet our standard of "good". But as this is a christian forum discussing Christian views, I can confidently say that God views no one as good. As Scripture and Jesus said: there is only one good-God.
 

Desire Of All Nations

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That is true for sure Ron. I will say however, that there are many good people in the world who are not Christians that I am very happy as having as my neighbors. I think most people try to be peaceable, who just desire to raise their families and enjoy life, and treat others well. Paul once phased it this way: (Romans 2:14, 15) 14 For when people of the nations, who do not have law, do by nature the things of the law, these people, although not having law, are a law to themselves. 15 They are the very ones who demonstrate the matter of the law to be written in their hearts. . .
There is no such thing as "good people in the world who are not Christians". There isn't even a such thing as a "good person who is a Christian".

Matter of fact, Jesus didn't even want people calling Him of all people "good", and it's easy to see why He would say that: the term "good person" implies a person is inherently good, and the Bible states in Jer. 17:9 and Rom. 8:7 that this is extremely far from being the case. A person can keep all of the last 6 commandments, but if they refuse to acknowledge or live by the first 4 of those commandments, they are still displaying contempt for God's authority and fail to do good.
 

ThePuffyBlob

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Have you ever wondered if Christians are good people?
I did and I already know the answer
and the answer is not simple yes and simple no
but you should define what is the basis for you to say a person is a good person
for no one is good based on the word

Matthew 19:16-17 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.......

not even Jesus Christ claim that he is good yet you call yourself a good person because you are a christian?
 

Robert Gwin

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While we were (yet) without strength, He became weak that we might be made strong. I read it over and over. You asked a question of if Christians are good people. You asked what have you observed Christian’s doing that has harmed others. Only an observation but while sitting at a church dinner, fellowship dinner, around the table each spoke… “my family refuses God. Oh well, I’ve tried.” Then happy smiles of praising God “thank God I’m chosen to be with Him. They are going to burn in hell and wish they had listened to me.” So casually… I hear all the time how Christ Jesus set with sinners, ate with them. how while He walked through a crowd …He stopped at the most wounded, the most critical. Not to mention the ones He chose as His disciples…fishermen, a tax collector… so yea you asked for an opinion, and for me the most damaging is becoming blinded in our own supposed righteous goodness that we snub our noses and look down on others we consider beneath, exhalation of ourselves. To me that is a contradiction: righteousness goodness that does harm to our neighbor…how good is that?

There you have it maam, in a way you answered your very own question. This post is about Christians, it is true we do our best to help others to come to know God, especially our family members, but not one of us have ever said they would burn in hell. Why? Because we know what hell is. You simply have believed that all those who claim to be Christians, are, but fruits identify us, and saying someone is going to burn in hell is not one of those fruits maam.
 

Robert Gwin

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43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)

Jesus did not contradict his Fathers edict Lambo, in fact it will be him that leads the charge of the removal of them. Each of us will be given to opportunity to stand on God's side of the issue, as you and everyone you know have been. You personally choose to stand on Gods side, we Jesus' disciples continue to approach you to accept the requirements, and yes we do pray for you, and as Jesus stated at this time God is allowing even His enemies to exist, but that is not always going to be the case sir.
 

Robert Gwin

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My feet still hit the floor every morning—even in the midst of depression— for a foreseen better outcome. A better outcome is the only reason to me to keep getting out of bed. Hope.

I adore 2 Corinthians 13:7 for help by an example given…not in mere words…but through application, the doing of: The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and to depart from evil.

“we pray to God that you do no evil; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right…even though we may appear unapproved (I trust you will know we are not unapproved).

we rejoice when we ourselves are weak,
But you made strong
This we pray for, that you be made complete.” “Do no evil.”

to me …there is an action prayed for there…their doing of “do no evil” “we hope you do no wrong” upon who?
For the “beginning of the fear of God and Wisdom (that comes from above) is to depart from evil” …this we pray …be made complete. Is Paul urging as God instructed Paul …my strength is made perfect in weakness. Paul not praying that “we ourselves might appear approved” but this prayer “that you be made complete” a “good work unto God” “that needs not to be ashamed” …that whole passage reminds me of take the beam out of your own eye, before you can see clearly to help your brother take the beam out of his. (Not as the blind leading the blind): “Depart from evil” “do no wrong” “do what is right in the sight of God”…Paul keeps praying for their completion. Even though it seems they may want to do evil…be made complete in Him, be made Strong in Him from this One …the wisdom given from above, is the beginning to do no evil. To depart from evil.

you asked what damage…
Christians appearing strong for the intent: that others be made to appear as weak. Why?

instead of: “Christians” appearing weak (I trust you will know we are not unapproved): for the intent of “not that we appear approved” …but that you may be given the opportunity to depart from evil and do what is good in the sight of God, that you be made strong in our weakness. This is our bond of Love to you…for your benefit knowing the beginning of the wisdom that is from above is to fear God and to depart from evil. Elsewhere Paul urges “I do you no harm”, “I did you no evil” “I did you no damage” “did I overcharge you?” then again urges “also I pray you do no harm”.

damaging messages in Christianity? They profess they know God, but in works they deny him, being abominable, disobedient, and to every good work reprobate.
(See Paul) ironically having a “thorn” in the flesh, how then can he see so clearly to help those who also have a thorn, overcome the thorn? “I pray you do no evil” “though we appear weak” “be made strong”


you asked what damage…
Christians appearing strong for the intent: that others be made to appear as weak. Why?

We have always struggled with that poor quality maam. It was so bad in Jesus day that he told the elders of the faith that they were from their father the devil. Jehovah even took the Kingdom away from them and gave it to a nation producing it's fruits, but for more reasons than treating His flock as dirt.

They profess they know God, but in works they deny him, being abominable, disobedient, and to every good work reprobate.
(See Paul) ironically having a “thorn” in the flesh, how then can he see so clearly to help those who also have a thorn, overcome the thorn? “I pray you do no evil” “though we appear weak” “be made strong”

Since we are imperfect Vicky, we all have a thorn in the flesh. Each time we beat that thorn, if it is possible, we strengthen our faith and resolve to remain steadfast in keeping our integrity. Like you, I have a strong disregard for hypocrites. I do my utmost to live up to my dedication, yes I have faltered at times with serious sin, but it is extremely rare now. I have not committed a serious sin for over 8 yrs now, and although my thorn constantly plagues me as did Paul's, I have been able to keep it in check. Jehovah does give us the way out.

Those who practice hypocrisy are not only a turn off for us maam, but they bring reproach upon Jehovah's name, and they will receive their reward in the end. My dad, although not a Christian, drove home the point of honesty in me, among other things. Conducting oneself honestly in all things makes it so much easier to serve Jehovah in spirit and truth, therefore helping us to practice what we preach.
 

Robert Gwin

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Well "good" for people is always very subjective. We call someone "good" because they meet our standard of "good". But as this is a christian forum discussing Christian views, I can confidently say that God views no one as good. As Scripture and Jesus said: there is only one good-God.

I am not so sure about that Ron,
(Proverbs 12:2) . . .The good person obtains Jehovah’s approval. . .
(Proverbs 14:14) . . .the good man reaps the reward of his dealings. . .
(Matthew 12:35) . . .The good man out of his good treasure sends out good things, whereas the wicked man out of his wicked treasure sends out wicked things.
(Luke 23:50) . . .there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, who was a good and righteous man. . .
 

Robert Gwin

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There is no such thing as "good people in the world who are not Christians". There isn't even a such thing as a "good person who is a Christian".

Matter of fact, Jesus didn't even want people calling Him of all people "good", and it's easy to see why He would say that: the term "good person" implies a person is inherently good, and the Bible states in Jer. 17:9 and Rom. 8:7 that this is extremely far from being the case. A person can keep all of the last 6 commandments, but if they refuse to acknowledge or live by the first 4 of those commandments, they are still displaying contempt for God's authority and fail to do good.


I understand your thoughts sir, but no doubt you would agree the Bible does not contradict itself, so proper understanding of what is being said always comes into play. Compare these passages: (Proverbs 12:2) . . .The good person obtains Jehovah’s approval. . .
(Proverbs 14:14) . . .the good man reaps the reward of his dealings. . .
(Matthew 12:35) . . .The good man out of his good treasure sends out good things, whereas the wicked man out of his wicked treasure sends out wicked things.
(Luke 23:50) . . .there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, who was a good and righteous man. . .

There are good people, all true Christians, and even many in the world.
 

Ronald Nolette

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I am not so sure about that Ron,
(Proverbs 12:2) . . .The good person obtains Jehovah’s approval. . .
(Proverbs 14:14) . . .the good man reaps the reward of his dealings. . .
(Matthew 12:35) . . .The good man out of his good treasure sends out good things, whereas the wicked man out of his wicked treasure sends out wicked things.
(Luke 23:50) . . .there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, who was a good and righteous man. . .


Well someone is a good person in Communist china if they are a loyal party member. With all that means, we in america would not call them good.

When the bible calls someone good, it means they are godly more than just a doer of good deeds.

The bible says there is none good- no not one. Gods standard for good is far different than the various cultures we live in for good.
 

Robert Gwin

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I did and I already know the answer
and the answer is not simple yes and simple no
but you should define what is the basis for you to say a person is a good person
for no one is good based on the word

Matthew 19:16-17 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.......

not even Jesus Christ claim that he is good yet you call yourself a good person because you are a christian?

Yes Stread, you are the third person to quote that passage, therefore I gather that most people believe that God does not consider anyone to be good. The Bible many times does not speak literally, many times what is said has an alternate meaning, now Jesus could have meant not even he, a sinless individual was good, which if you think about it would make his God no good either because he perfectly imitated Him, which is what sinless is. Or it might have another meaning. We believe Jehovah is good to the superlative degree, and truly no one can equal His goodness. The following verses show where humans can be good:
(Proverbs 12:2) . . .The good person obtains Jehovah’s approval. . .
(Proverbs 14:14) . . .the good man reaps the reward of his dealings. . .
(Matthew 12:35) . . .The good man out of his good treasure sends out good things, whereas the wicked man out of his wicked treasure sends out wicked things.
(Luke 23:50) . . .there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, who was a good and righteous man. . .

No doubt you know many truly good people, if not what is the point? Remember although all of us are sinners, we were made in God's image, so as sure as God is good, then we all have a measure of goodness in us.
 

VictoryinJesus

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Matter of fact, Jesus didn't even want people calling Him of all people "good",

i’m not claiming to understand why he asked them “why do you call me good”? I’ve went back to read those verses…and yes He pointed to the Father. But the Father pointed to the Son yea? “this is My beloved Son in who I am well pleased.” —this is not good? What about in Revelation where John cries because none was found worthy to open the book? …but behold look…don’t cry John because One is found worthy! Behold the Lamb of God.

Consider the passage that clearly says none are good, no not one. But isn’t that what God sent His Son to accomplish? “The path of peace they know not”? Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

none understands…did the Son of God?
None seeks God…did the Son of God?
all together have become unprofitable…did the Son of God?
None does good…the spirit of the son cries out Abba Father …this is not good?

their tongues they use for deceit…did the Son of God use deceit of the tongue?

the way of peace they have not known? “I am the way” “Father, I showed them the way of peace unto You, the way of reconciliation to You.” “None comes to the Father but by me” “if this Spirit is in you, that was in the Son…you will not be unprofitable, bearing fruit and Alive unto God.”

they are all under the Law? Is the Son of God under the law of sin or above it? I still think of where Paul spoke of a brother going away ‘for a season’ that he may return “not as a servant” …”but above a servant; as a dearly beloved brother”.

To me saying we are still imprisoned or everlasting captured in “the way of peace they know not”, or still imprisoned or captured being hog-tied “under sin” …is forgetting Him who set the captives free that they be “made Alive” to bring forth “good works” unto God.
 
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Robert Gwin

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Well someone is a good person in Communist china if they are a loyal party member. With all that means, we in america would not call them good.

When the bible calls someone good, it means they are godly more than just a doer of good deeds.

The bible says there is none good- no not one. Gods standard for good is far different than the various cultures we live in for good.

I do not believe the Bible contradicts itself sir, therefore when it says in one verse there is no one good and in another there is, which I just showed you, then there is a problem in understanding. So I will just state plainly, there are many good people in the world, with Jesus being the greatest good person who ever lived. If Jesus was not good, and he and his Father are one, and he did God's will while on earth, then Jehovah is not good. I hope with all my heart that is not the case sir, but it would explain why satan had the completely insane notion to stand against Him, knowing full well the outcome.
 

Ronald Nolette

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I do not believe the Bible contradicts itself sir, therefore when it says in one verse there is no one good and in another there is, which I just showed you, then there is a problem in understanding. So I will just state plainly, there are many good people in the world, with Jesus being the greatest good person who ever lived. If Jesus was not good, and he and his Father are one, and he did God's will while on earth, then Jehovah is not good. I hope with all my heart that is not the case sir, but it would explain why satan had the completely insane notion to stand against Him, knowing full well the outcome.

Well I agree with one thing you said- the bible does not contradict itself.

Listen to Jesus:

Luke 18:19
And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

the problem is with your understanding. You blindly accept teh conclusions of the Watchtower without being a Berean and searching the Scriptures for yourself to see if they speak truth or lies!
 

VictoryinJesus

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Luke 18:19
And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

Which is Good?
The first man Adam?
Or the last Adam?

1 Corinthians 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

Which is Good?
The first man from earth?
Or the second man the Lord from heaven?

Curious do you say neither are good?

which is dishonorable?
Which is Honorable?
That which descended from man
Or that which descended from God?
 

farouk

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i’m not claiming to understand why he asked them “why do you call me good”? I’ve went back to read those verses…and yes He pointed to the Father. But the Father pointed to the Son yea? “this is My beloved Son in who I am well pleased.” —this is not good? What about in Revelation where John cries because none was found worthy to open the book? …but behold look…don’t cry John because One is found worthy! Behold the Lamb of God.

Consider the passage that clearly says none are good, no not one. But isn’t that what God sent His Son to accomplish? “The path of peace they know not”? Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

none understands…did the Son of God?
None seeks God…did the Son of God?
all together have become unprofitable…did the Son of God?
None does good…the spirit of the son cries out Abba Father …this is not good?

their tongues they use for deceit…did the Son of God use deceit of the tongue?

the way of peace they have not known? “I am the way” “Father, I showed them the way of peace unto You, the way of reconciliation to You.” “None comes to the Father but by me” “if this Spirit is in you, that was in the Son…you will not be unprofitable, bearing fruit and Alive unto God.”

they are all under the Law? Is the Son of God under the law of sin or above it? I still think of where Paul spoke of a brother going away ‘for a season’ that he may return “not as a servant” …”but above a servant; as a dearly beloved brother”.

To me saying we are still imprisoned or everlasting captured in “the way of peace they know not”, or still imprisoned or captured being hog-tied “under sin” …is forgetting Him who set the captives free that they be “made Alive” to bring forth “good works” unto God.
@VictoryinJesus The Lord Jesus was seeking to reveal the person whom He was addressing stopped short of acknowledging Who He was.
 

Ronald Nolette

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1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

Which is Good?
The first man Adam?
Or the last Adam?

1 Corinthians 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

Which is Good?
The first man from earth?
Or the second man the Lord from heaven?

Curious do you say neither are good?

which is dishonorable?
Which is Honorable?
That which descended from man
Or that which descended from God?


Once again it all depends on which value system you use to define "good".

From divine perspective only God is good and as Jesus is God the Son He is good.

But people can live what we consider generally good lives from a human perspective.

Remember a godly living christian may be called good by many, but will be called evil by many as well. So it all depends on how one defines "good".
 

Wrangler

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A man asked me are Christians good people?

Sort of a loaded question.
I sure is a loaded question!

I would clarify so exceptions don't become rules:
  1. Do you mean good in the Biblical sense? OR
  2. Do you mean good in the general sense?
    • Jesus said no one but God is good. This includes non-Christians.
  3. Do you mean Christians who are born again, devout and follow God's will the vast majority of the time? OR
  4. Do you mean a CINO - a Christian in name only - a nominal, cultural, go to church on Xmas & Easter type Christian?
    • Some CINO's only go to church for funerals or weddings and not even on holy days.
  5. And what qualifies as good; obeying the law, seeming 'nice?' OR
  6. Doing and speaking the truth even if it hurts people's feelings and goes against secular law (like Chick-Fil-A and Hobby Lobby opposing the abortionists using government to do their bidding?
 

shortangel

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have you ever heard the expresion Christians are not perfect just forgiven, well believers can be good but they are not perfect just forgiven :)