Who Decides What's Good and Evil?
Everywhere you turn, people are arguing about what is “good” and what is “evil.” Culture, politics, media — everyone has an opinion. But how can we ever know who is right? Thankfully, God has not left us in the dark. He has spoken in His Word.
At Mount Sinai, God gave His people the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). Later, Jesus summarized the whole law in two simple commands: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37, 39). Goodness is not just an opinion. God defines it as wholehearted love for Him and sacrificial love for others.
Here’s the problem: none of us live up to that standard. Even the apostle Paul, who once thought of himself as blameless, later admitted, “Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ” (Philippians 3:9). The law shows us how far we fall short. Only Christ provides the righteousness we need.
That is the good news of the gospel: Jesus Christ fulfilled the law perfectly. He is the only truly good man who ever lived. And through His death and resurrection, He gives His goodness as a gift to all who believe.
And here’s what happens next: those who believe are gathered into the church. The Bible calls the church the ekklesia — “the called-out ones.” Called out of the world, called into a new family. The church is for those who have been made righteous in Christ by faith, and it’s also where those who are not yet righteous can come, hear the gospel, and respond. You don’t need to know the rules or have your life cleaned up before you come. You just need to hear Christ’s call — and show up.
So if you are searching for a church this Sunday, don’t just look for a place that reflects your opinions. Look for a church that opens God’s Word, proclaims Christ, and welcomes sinners who need grace.
Above all, the church’s mission is not to entertain or echo the culture, but to proclaim “Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). That message is not only relevant now — it is always relevant. Everything else can and will be shaken, but the kingdom of our God is unshakable (Hebrews 12:28).
The church is meant to be a refuge in the storm, a place where God’s people grow together in love, and where Christ is kept at the center. Come join us!
The Bible says, “Now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Come to Christ. Join His people. Find life in the One who is good.
And once you belong to Him, His law is no longer a ladder to climb — it becomes a path to walk. Freed by grace, you can begin to love God and love your neighbor, not to earn salvation but because you belong to Him. For this is our calling: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
Two Next Steps
- Pick up a Bible. Read Exodus 20, Matthew 22, and Acts 2. See God’s standard of goodness and His design for His people.
- Give church a chance. If you are nearby, we would love for you to join us at Central Presbyterian Church in Irvine this Sunday. Come hear Christ preached and meet a people gathered by His grace.
