Two kinds ...
A non-religious person who has a personal code of ethics is by nature a 'moralist'. He attempts to live according to a set of behavioral standards (the parameters of which he establishes himself). His perceived 'goodness' draws accolades from men ... which tends to validate his atheistic views.
There also exists a 'religious moralism'. It emphasizes ethical behavior to the exclusion of genuine faith. The moralist believes that if he prays, goes to church, and helps his fellow man ... then he's right with God. If he doesn’t lie, cheat, steal, or cuss too much ... then he is a good person and deserving of heaven.
Neither can satisfy the debt we owe.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way ... For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
We are sinners in need of the Lord’s forgiveness and being a 'moralist' can never justify us before a holy God. Keeping a moral code through self-discipline will fail ... Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law. (Romans 3:20)
Apart from Christ, you can never live up to the righteousness that God demands. Once you surrender your life to Jesus, you are day by day transformed into His likeness by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
You can not make yourself holy, no matter how stringently you adhere to an unending list of moral laws.
'Moralism' cannot replace faith in His finished work on Calvary's cross.
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