by Dr. Mark J. Larson, Professor of Systematic Theology

“What is meant by this statement? It is true that there are many people not claiming to trust in Christ who nevertheless live outwardly decent, good, and respectable lives. Not every non-Christian is a wretch in the category of a Hitler or a Stalin. Many unconverted people are pretty decent—faithful to their marriage partner, usually honest in what they say, fairly law abiding when it comes to following the speed limit, and so on. The Bible does not dispute the fact that there are unsaved people who are capable of doing social good. The unregenerate though are not capable of living the Christian ethic. Its demands are too high, and they require the grace of the Holy Spirit in regeneration and sanctification.”