In 15 years as a pastor, I have heard Christians say some strange things. There are many deep held beliefs in the church and in our culture that do not come from the Bible. We are going to look at a few of these beliefs over the next few days.
The first belief we will look at is the Bible verse: “God helps those who help themselves.” This verse is one of the most widely quoted Bible verses. The problem is you will not find this verse anywhere in the Scripture, and the intent of this verse contradicts the gospel message.
The message of the Scripture is God helps the helpless.
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (ESV)
“God helps those who help themselves” implies I need to do something to receive God’s aid. But when Jesus died on the cross, he said, “it is finished.” Jesus did all the work necessary. The work of salvation is final and complete. You and I had no part in it. It was all Jesus.
But we grow up learning nothing is free. When we hear about something being free, our first inclination is to wonder -what’s the catch? We’ve learned through experience there is always a cost.
This is why the gift of salvation is unlike anything else. It goes against our experience. We know nothing is free and have been taught to question anything that is advertised as free. You hold that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
We feel as if there must be something for us to contribute to our salvation, if only a little bit. So we make faith experience to be about a bunch of rules to follow:
- Go to church
- Read your Bible
- Pray
- Volunteer to serve
- Give your offering
- Be a good person
We think that if we do these things then God will be good to us. He will bless us, help us, and give us his favor.
Jesus did not come to give us more rules to follow. He came to give us a relationship with God. It’s not a matter of if you do these things, God will help. God’s help is already available. You already have his blessing. You already have his favor.
When you ask most people why they think they will go to heaven, they respond by saying I have been a good person. They hope they have done more good to outweigh the bad and when they stand before God in judgment that they will measure up. The problem with such a response is Jesus is nowhere to be found. My salvation has nothing to do with anything I have done. It has everything to do with what Jesus has done.
God’s love is unconditional and unearned. He loves you with an unending love. And there is nothing you can do to make him stop loving you. He offers grace and mercy freely without cost. There is nothing you can do to earn such favor.
Any work we do for God is not to contribute to our salvation; it is a response to our salvation. A true believer knows that everything with God is not “got to” it is “get to.”
Questions for Reflection
- What are some non-Biblical beliefs that Christians often hold dear?
- Why do you think that we wrongly embrace the concept of God helps those who help themselves?
- What does it mean for you that God’s grace is free?
- Share your comments.
Nanete says
I never connected this saying with salvation. I always heard it in the context of you can’t expect God to help you pass a test or get a job if you don’t show up to take the test or fill out job applications. I never thought of it in respect to how we get to salvation before today.
Phil Ressler says
Nanette- I hear what you are saying. But we should be careful in how we look at it. Using the example of the job applicant, we want to ask the question about what the starting point is. Is the starting point applying for the job? Or is the starting point asking God for his provision? It is easy for us to make our plans and then ask God for his help after the wheels have been set in motion. As we pray we ask for God’s guidance and direction. When God helps, will we receive his help?
Another way of looking at it is that God helps everyone. There is no on who does not receive his grace. There are many who choose to reject it. But I don’t need to do anything to get it. If I don’t apply for a job out of laziness, I certainly will not get that job. But that doesn’t mean that God will not help me and provide for me.
John Scheopner says
What about this verse: God “will give to each person according to what he has done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. — Romans 2:6-7
Phil Ressler says
John- it is important to read in context. As you continue reading in Romans, Paul goes on to say that we all live under the power of sin. Even if God would help those who help themselves, we are not really in a place to help ourselves. Theoretically, a person could justify themselves according to the law if they were able to fulfill the obligations of the law. But we have not fulfilled the obligations and so become totally dependent on Christ.
JOAN says
Thank you for a thorough explanation of the mis-quoted “Bible verse.” I never knew where to look for a satisfactory reply. as for the need to be good – I know my works are the RESULT of having Jesus as my Savior. I want to show His love to others. I view the 10 Commandments as promises – because of His love for me, I don’t have to “obey” but act accordingly without having to try to be “good” or feel guilty when I mess up. His forgiveness is always there. What a gift.
Barb says
I do not completely agree . I DO need to try and keep the commandments. Yes, his forgiveness is always there but we can not just say, oh,well, I will do this because God will forgive me.
Tim Littrell says
I think that is what James’ Epistle is saying.
JOAN says
You misunderstand my meaning of the 10 commandments being promises. example: thou shalt not steal — because I have Christ in my heart I have no problem obeying this commandment. Honor your mother & father – because I have Christ in my heart, I easily honor them. Do not take the name of the Lord in vain – because I have Christ in my heart, I nolonger have the desire to swear. Promises.