if the profession of faith is real,(born again), then we are made righteous before God. The Christian faith basically is suppose to help believers to become what we are. Do all believers seek to "grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord", unfortunately no. -------------------- How do you know what the "nurture and admonition of the Lord" is? It varies among beliefs, right? -------------------- "Some non-believers dedicate themselves to social justice, and the inherent value of all living beings. That is good for society, nature, and themselves." ---- I can somewhat buy that, but in the bigger picture,it is of no value before God for the individual and their eternal destiny. Works is a result of faith, not done in hopes of obtaining salvation. -------------------- If I were a believer, I think God would certainly value social justice, as it's a fulfillment of love of neighbor. If Christian works are not done for eternal salvation, I don't see a difference in the works of non-believers. Do you think God would save a believer who caused suffering and injustice?