Why Good People Still Need a Savior
In a world that often values appearance over authenticity, it’s easy to confuse religious activity with saving faith. We attend church, recite Scripture, serve in ministry, and stand for biblical truth—yet we may be missing the most essential piece: a heart transformed by the Spirit through confession and faith in Jesus.
Romans 2 confronts a sobering reality: outward obedience or religious ritual cannot make us righteous before a holy God. The Jews Paul addressed relied on their knowledge of the law, their heritage, and their observance of practices like circumcision. But Paul’s message is clear—none of those things save. Righteousness comes only through the confession of sin and faith in the Redeemer.
Romans 2 confronts a sobering reality: outward obedience or religious ritual cannot make us righteous before a holy God. The Jews Paul addressed relied on their knowledge of the law, their heritage, and their observance of practices like circumcision. But Paul’s message is clear—none of those things save. Righteousness comes only through the confession of sin and faith in the Redeemer.
Religion Can’t Rescue You
Whether you identify with the pagan who ignores God, the moralist who tries to live a good life, or the religious person who leans on tradition, the truth is the same—we all fall short. Scripture says, “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). Our best efforts, even our most pious moments, are tainted by sin and cannot meet the standard of God’s holiness.
The law was never meant to be a ladder to heaven. It was a mirror to reveal our need for a Savior. It exposes our guilt, awakens conviction, and invites us to confess. And only when we confess our sin can we receive the righteousness of Christ—a righteousness we could never earn but is freely given by grace.
The law was never meant to be a ladder to heaven. It was a mirror to reveal our need for a Savior. It exposes our guilt, awakens conviction, and invites us to confess. And only when we confess our sin can we receive the righteousness of Christ—a righteousness we could never earn but is freely given by grace.
The Danger of Hypocrisy
Paul calls out the hypocrisy of those who teach others yet fail to examine their own hearts. Claiming moral superiority while ignoring personal sin drives people away from God rather than drawing them near. When we pretend to have it all together, we misrepresent the gospel. But when we humbly admit our brokenness, we open the door for others to experience the same grace we’ve received.
Self-righteousness is a dangerous substitute for saving faith. Religious credentials, good behavior, and even strong biblical convictions can’t replace authentic trust in Jesus. As Paul writes, true righteousness is not about outward appearance but inward transformation—a circumcision of the heart by the Holy Spirit (Romans 2:29).
Self-righteousness is a dangerous substitute for saving faith. Religious credentials, good behavior, and even strong biblical convictions can’t replace authentic trust in Jesus. As Paul writes, true righteousness is not about outward appearance but inward transformation—a circumcision of the heart by the Holy Spirit (Romans 2:29).
Confession: The Starting Point of Salvation
So what does it take to be saved? Confession and faith. A willingness to stop justifying ourselves and start trusting the One who justifies. It begins by saying, “I am a sinner in need of a Savior.” It continues by believing that Jesus alone can redeem, restore, and make us new.
It’s tempting to rely on church attendance, baptism, or a family legacy of faith. But none of these things make us right with God. Baptism is a beautiful picture of salvation, but it doesn’t save. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone.
It’s tempting to rely on church attendance, baptism, or a family legacy of faith. But none of these things make us right with God. Baptism is a beautiful picture of salvation, but it doesn’t save. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone.
Practical Steps Toward Genuine Faith
- Evaluate Your Foundation – Ask yourself: Am I trusting in Jesus, or in religious activity? Examine not just what you do but why you do it.
- Confess Your Sin Honestly – Don’t minimize, rationalize, or hide it. Bring your brokenness to God. He is faithful to forgive and cleanse (1 John 1:9).
- Place Your Faith in Jesus Alone – Not in works, traditions, or moral standing. Salvation is found in Christ and Christ alone.
- Pursue Heart Transformation – Invite the Holy Spirit to shape your desires, your motives, and your actions from the inside out.
- Live in Humility – Share your need for grace with others. Let your testimony be one of repentance and restoration, not perfection and pride.
Your Choice Matters
God doesn’t save us because we look the part—He saves us when we admit we never could and trust in the One who did. Will you confess your sin and trust Jesus alone to save you?
Because in the end, the question is not how religious you’ve been. The question is: Have you been made new by grace?
Because in the end, the question is not how religious you’ve been. The question is: Have you been made new by grace?
This blog is based on a message preached by Lead Pastor Dr. Brian Stone on Sunday, May 25, as part of the Romans: The Righteousness of God series. You can watch the full message here.
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