THE MORAL CODE

Jacob Crouch. Teacher and author wrote:  

“The major problem with this moralism is that it is not actually Christianity. Moralism takes the “Love God, Love People” mantra and makes it the gospel. But this isn’t the gospel; it’s the law! Jesus holds these commandments high as the first and second greatest commandments and says, “On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets” (Matt 22:40). So thinking that obedience to the moral code is Christianity has missed the most important thing. It misses Jesus. It misses that we fall short of that moral code, and that better living doesn’t fix the problem.”

This is correct but tricky logic. I do not believe the author is advocating for the absence of good works and right living. Helping others, being kind, tolerant of others, avoiding anger and conflict, giving generously are all just normal Christian living. I think when the moralism becomes ‘live and let live,’ or ‘as long as it doesn’t harm someone else,’ or ‘we each have to make our own way,’ or ‘we can’t judge anyone or anything,’ it can become spongy New Age Moralism instead of the Gospel of the Kingdom that proposes love and mercy in Christ centered obedience with a window for redemption for anyone who will surrender to the rule and reign of the Father. That’s a New Creation concept, not a New Age concept.

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the Law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.” Jesus