Basic TrainingBible MinistriesGene CunninghamBasic Training Bible Ministries KBKnowledge Base

What is the biblical definition of good, and how does it differ from human good?

The Bible teaches that 'good' refers to absolute and intrinsic good, which can be produced only by God through the working of the Spirit of God together with the Word of God. This divine good is in contrast to human good, which is relative and dead in God's sight, as man in himself possesses no good thing (Rom. 7:18). Human good is actually a manifestation of evil because it is produced independently of God, and the essence of evil is independence of God. The Bible draws a line down every page between two kinds of life, contrasting divine good with human good, just like Jesus said to Nicodemus that everything on one side is death and everything on the other is life (John 3:6). Divine good is produced through believers by the working of the Spirit of God together with the Word of God, while human good consists of 'dead works' (Heb. 6:1–2) and is like a 'filthy garment' (Isa. 64:6). The only means by which evil can be conquered is through divine good (Rom. 12:21), which is the sphere in which believers are to operate, relying on God's strength rather than their own.

Also asked: What is the biblical meaning of good and how does it compare to what people consider good? · How does the Bible define good versus what humans consider good, and how do they differ? · What is the difference between good as defined by God and what people call good, and how do believers produce good in their lives?

Source: The Basics The Basics — Good, divine (canonical doctrine) · Read this lesson in the book →

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Lesson 3–3: The Promise—Spirituality

Lesson 4–2: Perception—Discernment

Lesson 4–1: Perspective—Grace

Lesson 3–4: The Climb—Spiritual Growth

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