"Unless we believe the gospel, we will be driven in all we do-whether obeying or disobeying-by pride ('self-love') or fear ('of damnation'). Apart from 'grateful remembering' of the gospel, all good works are done then for sinful motives. Mere moral effort may restrain the heart, but does not truly change the heart. Moral effort merely 'jury rigs' the evil of the heart to produce moral behavior out of self-interest. It is only a matter of time before such a thin tissue collapses."

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Source: Timothy Keller (2013). “Jesus the King: Understanding the Life and Death of the Son of God”, p.71, Penguin

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Timothy Keller

Pastor, Author

Timothy Keller is a prominent pastor and author known for his influential works on faith, culture, and doubt, particularly 'The Reason for God.'

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Timothy Keller Pastor, Author

"The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope."

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