What is Good?
This article is not an exhaustive study.
Does “good” exist? If so, what is it? For many, “good” is pure subjectivism based on an individual’s rationale and when many, like-minded, individuals get together, they will assert what is “good” for them. From a humanistic perspective, the concept of “good” then becomes what the majority, strong, or decision makers establish. The challenge comes when their notion of “good” conflicts with God’s “good”. This is why biblically based Christianity is vehemently denied in schools, politics, churches, and society? The Word of God teaches true standards of “good” (Ps. 34:8; Lk. 2:10; Heb. 6:5). Genuine “good” does not come from a community vote, acts of persuasion, or personal wants but God and God alone. God is the essence of “good” because it is His nature (Ezra 3:11; Ps. 25; Jer. 33:11; Nah. 1:7). Regrettably, humanity has disregarded God’s “good” by claiming wickedness as “good” and/or abuse “good” by doing what is forbidden (Gen. 3-4, 6; Rom. 1-3; 3 Jn. 1:11).
Studying any word in Scripture is best done in its Biblical context. In the English Standard Version [ESV] of the Bible, the word “good” is found 672 times in 620 Scriptural references. It is knowledge (Gen. 3:5, 22; Deut. 1:39; Heb. 5:14). It is what God declares; like creation and heterosexual marriage (Gen. 1-2). It can be the quantity or quality of something; like, length of age, food, land, relationship, or rest (Gen. 15:15; 49:15; Lev. 27:12; Num. 10:29; 1 Chron. 4:40). It is what is right in God’s eyes (Deut. 6:18; 10:12-13; Jdgs. 10:15). It is blessings from God (Deut. 11:26; 30:15; Neh. 2:8). It is praising God (Ps. 92:1; Col. 3:16). It is actions that please God (Mt. 5:16, 44; John 5:29; 1 Tim. 6:18; Heb. 10:24; 1 Pet. 2:12; 3:11; 3 John 1:11). It is what is healthy compared to a disease (Mt. 22:10). It is someone who has done their job or service well (Mt. 25:21, 23; Lk. 19:17). It is teachings from God (Ps. 34:8; Lk. 2:10; Heb. 6:5).
Living a godly life is “good”. Although a conscientious Christian seeks to please God by doing “good”, they are not sinless and usually fall short of God’s goal for them, but they repent and pursue maturity in matters that are “good” before God (1 Cor. 14:20; Eph. 4:13). God’s word uses many analogies to describe living a “good” life before God. A person’s life can be described as “good” salt (Mt. 5:13; Mark 9:50; Lk. 14:34). A person’s life can be described as “good” seed, tree, soil, and fruit (Mt. 7:15-20; 13:24-30, 36-43; Mark 4:20: Lk. 8:15; Eph. 5:9; Col. 1:10). This type of person receives the teachings of God and remains dedicated to Him the rest of their lives (Heb. 10:36-39). But nothing “good” that a person does makes him “good” in the sense of being sinless (Rom. 3:10, 23). Only God can declare a person righteous and this can only come through Jesus Christ (Acts 2; Rom. 5:18-21). This is why mankind needs to follow the “good” from God.
Jesus is “good” not because people said so but because He is God (Jn. 7:12; cf. Concept of “Good Teacher” Mt. 19:16-17; Mark 10:17-18; Lk. 18:18-19; cf. affirmations Jesus is God, Mt. 1:23; Jn. 1; 9:35-38; 20:28). He did “good” works (Jn. 10:32; Acts 10:38). And He is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep/followers (Jn. 10:11, 14). The worldly observer would say, “How foolish to die on a cross” and “How is this good?” (1 Cor. 1:23). There were those who sought to do evil against Jesus, but God saw the bigger picture. He saw the “good” that comes from the perfect sacrifice for sins (Heb. 10:12). “Good” is God’s nature. Anything or anyone who opposes Jesus opposes true “good”.
Does “good” exist? If so, what is it? Well, “good” is not as much a what as it is a Who. It is the Godhead who loves all people. It is the Godhead whose nature is “good”. It is God who wants all people to follow what is “good” according to His standards. It is God who allows people to choose “good” or to do what is right in their own eyes (Num. 15:37-41; Josh. 24; Jn. 5:29). God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good.
God bless . . . More to come . . . John A. Reeves