Riddle me this...

[The Virginian]

If in point of fact, ther worlds have been created by Almighty God, it means that something fo Himself is there in what He has created, although not His essence. This explains the statement of Apostle Paul to the Romans, "...For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,...." So then; either this is true, or the Apostle is a liar!
As to your original question: The one who repents out of fear of eternal punishment, an does what God requires is the more righteous person. The other person is no more than a 'good moral man', whose works are not close to being enough to satisfy the righteousness of God.


"...but God looks upon the heart...."

Hhmmmm! While it is within our purview to "...judge with righteous judgement..." we are also given the dictum by Holy Apostle Paul, "...but who are we to judge one man's servant to another, for we must all stand before the judgement seat of God...."

Therefore, "look to your own salvation, ye servants of Christ."

 

[jamesMarion]

As far as "relative human rightoueness" is concernned: person #2 must get the nod. If "absolute rightoueness" is the subject then both fall short of the glory of God. However person #1 or #2 can have the imputed rightouesness of Jesus Christ; if they so desire.

 

[AvgJoe]

A thought experiment:



Who is the more righteous person...

1) The one who accepts the Christian God out of fear for eternal hell and does no evil.

2) The person who knows no religion and despite human nature, does good on his own, in the name of no God?

Solely on their own merit, neither is more righteous. Based on their position, Christian vs. non-Christian, the Christian is more righteous. When someone becomes a Christian, Jesus takes their sin and gives them His righteousness. No amount of good works can save a person and no amount of bad works can condemn anyone, your salvation depends solely upon you relationship with Jesus. No relationship = no salvation.

Romans 10:9-10, 13(AMP)
9) Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10) For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation.

13) For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved.


On a side note, one's reason for seeking God and gaining salvation/eternal life does not matter.