Paul warns those who are convinced that their spiritual insight and moralistic behavior are beyond reproach ... Let the one who thinks he stands firm [immune to temptation, being overconfident and self-righteous], take care that he does not fall [into sin and condemnation]. (1 Corinthians 10:12)
We are to rely solely on the substitutionary death of the sinless Lamb of God, eschewing any and all dependence on 'self' ... not having our own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith. (Philippians 3:9)
We witnessed how pride and overconfidence led Peter to boast of his dedication to Jesus ... Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death. (Luke 22:33) His denial of Christ soon followed.
Paul’s caution to 'take heed lest you fall' calls believers to avoid becoming over-confident in ill-conceived 'religiousness'.
But his warning not only addresses true followers of Christ but those who cling to a 'false faith'. Jesus announced ... Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:22-23)
The only way to stand firm is to put your trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin ... For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
There is no such thing as a goodness quotient that 'grades on the curve'. If your confidence is in anything other than (or in addition to) the finished work of Jesus Christ, you have rejected the only thing that can save your soul ... the Gospel.
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