A Pressing Question

I would think that these folks in Romans 10:1-4 were "good neighbors, good fathers and mothers, good employees, and good friends". But they did not have the righteousness of God; they thought they could be righteous in themselves by their works, just like the folks in Matthew 7:21-23.

Romans 10:1-4 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

I would think that these Saul, before he became an apostle and called Paul, was a "good neighbor, good employee, good friend". But he did not have the righteousness of God; he thought he could be righteous in himself by his works, just like the folks in Matthew 7:21-23. And this is what he wrote about himself when he was a "good neighbor, good employee, good friend", good moral man:

Philippians 3:4-9 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith

 

All of us of Adam's race are wicked people. Personally, I know quite well that I am a vile, dirty, filthy, rotten sinner. Wicked people that attempt to establish their own righteousness are not saved. Wicked people who have had their sins imputed to Christ and Christ's righteousness imputed to them are saved. The difference is Christ, not man.

 

I agree. God sovereignly uses them for good works to His glory.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.