Goodness Is Not Godliness

Is it possible to be goodly without being godly? How can one have a high ethical standard, enviable moral value, great self-control and self confidence and yet be classified as ungodly?
The life of Paul and Cornelius will guide us.

A Blameless Paul

'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:
Circukscied the eight day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebres; as touchin gthe law, a Pharisee;
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; toughing the righteousness which is in the law, blameless'(Phil 3:4-6)The credentials of Paul was great indeed. He was a man of the law. He did not only know it, he kept the law. He was of high moral and ethical standard. He was fighting the God he claimed to be serving. He never knew he was living in darkness until he had a divine encounter with Christ Jesus. Paul heard a voice which transformed his life forever. 'Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
'And he said, who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest' (Acts 9:4-5)
That was the foundation for his salvation and godliness. No one can be godly without Christ.

Cornelius Was Devoted Yet Ungodly

'There was a certain man in centruion of the band called the Italian band,
'A devoout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always'(Acts 10:2)See the credentials of Cornelius:
1. He feared God
2. He was good to the poor. He gave regular alms
3. He prayed to God always.

But he was still ungoldy. God by his mercy had to send his apostle-Peter to preach to him about Jesus Christ-the way to salvation and door to godliness.
Cornelius heard the message and accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Are you like any of these two moral and disciplined men? Their being good did not save them. It can't save you neither. We are saved by grace not be works. The only acceptable sacrifice for sin is the blood of Jesus Christ shed at calvary.
No matter your status and wealth, you will have to submit yourself and accept Christ as Lord and Saviour.

None Is Righteous

'..Both Jews and gentiles are ..under sin; as it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one. (Rom 3:9-10)
Here is the moment of decision. Stop relying on your self-righteousness and embrace the gift of salvation by Christ Jesus. This is the sure way to godliness.