Is it possible?

[earl40]

Is it possible for a believer to do a work God commands from a purely selfish motive?

Here is why I asked. In the recent thread it was pointed out that on the last day a believers works will be tested and that Our Lord will judge the motive behind the work. Now I hope that we all can agree that this proposition is true, and if so any work that is not motivated by a loving faith would be burned up on that last day. So if we have any work totally burned up is that not a judgment of sin on the last day?

 

[rickclayfan]

No. Will there be a mixture of selfishness in the good that he does? Yes; until he dies. But to do it from a purely selfish motive is not a mark of a true Christian. Saving faith would have dethroned him and reestablished the proper Creator-creature relation -- humble submission.

 

[Jeri Tanner]

I think the teaching about works being burned up, coming from 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, is in the context of Paul's warning to ministers who will build on the foundation laid by the apostles; it's their work in Christ's church that will either be gold, silver, and precious stones, or wood, hay, and stubble. Just noting that aspect of it.