Are We More Righteous Than God?

In the book a Job it is recorded a pivotal question: “Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?” Job 4:17 I am often amazed at how many doctrines of men are elevated above or equal to the doctrine of Christ. Now, they don’t claim this aloud, but by their need to do such things which are not scripturally based, what other conclusion can one reach? God instructs us what gospel to obey, which church to be added to, and what doctrine to follow. Do we need more than this to be saved? Apparently the denominations haven’t gotten the news yet because they say, yes.

The Catholics are not merely forgiven by praying to God. No! They are only forgiven when they go to a priest and confess all their sins to him and then he speaks to God on their behalf. He in turn by his own discretion gives a punishment for the sins committed. I guess they haven’t gotten the news that we only have one mediator between God and man, and that man being Christ Jesus. 1 Tim 2:5 I suppose they forget that it’s Jesus himself who corrects the saints for John truly wrote, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” Rev 3:19 Catholics have positions and rituals that far exceed that which Christ or his apostles commanded. They have popes, bishops, cardinals, priests and nuns, all of which are never mentioned in the new testament church. They even have the audacity to have their own bible, all of which is contrary to sound doctrine. Are they more righteous than God? God forbid!

The Baptist reject the gospel of Christ in lieu of their own gospel. They reject the doctrine that baptism saves. I suppose they don’t understand basic English. Jesus said, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believes not shall be condemned.” Mk 16:16 Also read 1 Peter 3:21 which says baptism saves us now. They have contrived the notion that ‘faith only’ saves and ‘once saved always saved’. The only problem with these foolish notions is that the bible says to the contrary. James wrote, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” James 2:24 It was Paul who wrote, “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” Gal 5:4 They have borrowed from the old testament to justify themselves with doctrines of tithing and instrumental music. I guess we can understand why they wish that ‘once they are saved they are always saved’ actually was true. I think as far as the Baptist are concerned they need to first get saved before they ever worry about remaining saved. Are the Baptist more righteous than God? God forbid!

Whenever we as members of the body of Christ add to or take from God’s Word, we are in essence correcting God as opposed to God correcting us. It was the prophet Jeremiah which wrote about those who considered themselves holier than thou. “Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all the day.” Isa 65:5 God only asks us to obey him, and nothing more in order to be saved. God never asked us our input on anything concerning our salvation, worship or obedience to his doctrine.

It was the Pharisees who added rituals to God’s Word, which they followed, but God commandments they would not follow. Jesus said to them, “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.  And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'”  Matt 15:7-9 A true Christian gets their righteousness from God by obeying His commandments. Paul said, “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God — and righteousness and sanctification and redemption” 1 Cor 1:30 Peter said, “To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:” 2 Peter 1:1 All of God’s commandments are righteousness. Ps 119:142 Jesus said if you love me keep my commandments and my commandments are not hard to follow. Jn 14:15 f; 1 Jn 5:3 And again he said that he died for his friends, and we are his friends if we obey him. Jn 15:13,14 What did Jesus command us? He commanded us to believe he is the Christ and to confess this before men. Mt 10:32,33 He commanded us by his apostles to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. Acts 2:38 He commanded us by the apostle John to remain faithful unto death. Rev 2:10 And to abide by the doctrine of Christ. 2 Jn 9 If we do this and no more, our righteousness if of God. Isa 54:17 If we alter God’s Word and do more or less, we are abiding by the doctrines of men and are self righteousness. We then would have done what Paul warned us about when he said, “I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.” Rom 10:2-4 Remember, there is none righteous, no not one; (Rom 3:10) and their is none good except one and that is God! Lk 18:19 If we want to be the righteous saints of God, we must submit ourselves to the perfect will of God, and do no more and no less. 1 Cor 4:6 ff; 1 Pet 4:11; Rev 22:18,19