Unless we believe the gospel, we will be driven in all we do-whether obeying or disobeying-by pride ('self-love') or fear ('of damnation'). Apart from 'grateful remembering' of the gospel, all good works are done then for sinful motives. Mere moral effort may restrain the heart, but does not truly change the heart. Moral effort merely 'jury rigs' the evil of the heart to produce moral behavior out of self-interest. It is only a matter of time before such a thin tissue collapses.
Timothy KellerWhen you listen and read one thinker, you become a cloneโฆ two thinkers, you become confusedโฆ ten thinkers, youโll begin developing your own voiceโฆ two or three hundred thinkers, you become wise and develop your voice.
Timothy KellerThe reason the stone was rolled away on Jesus's tomb was not so that Jesus could get out, but so that we could get in.
Timothy KellerWhen we worry we are saying, 'I know the way my life is supposed to go, and God's not getting it right'.
Timothy Keller