福音与社会：作盐作光 / The Gospel and Society: Salt and Light

36. The Gospel and Society: Be Salt and Light, but Do Not Turn Earthly Benefits into the Gospel

一、信仰宣告

I. Statement of Faith

我们相信，基督徒是世上的光和盐，应该影响社会、造福社会（太5:13–16）。

We believe that Christians are the salt and light of the world and should have a good influence on society and do good to others (Matthew 5:13–16).

但我们也相信，福音的内容和目的，是使罪人借着耶稣基督与神和好，有分于神的国，并得享永生。

But we also believe that the message and purpose of the gospel are to reconcile sinners to God through Jesus Christ, bring them into God’s kingdom, and give them eternal life.

人间的贫困、不平、灾难和乱象，都没有脱离神全能护理的主权。

Poverty, injustice, disasters, and disorder in this world are never outside God’s sovereign providence.

因此，基督徒应当关心人的苦难，也应当行公义、好怜悯、帮助有需要的人。

Therefore, Christians should care about human suffering, practice justice and mercy, and help people in need.

但是，我们切不可舍本逐末，把今生的社会利益变成福音的中心。

But we must never put secondary things in the place of the main thing or make earthly social benefits the center of the gospel.

我们不可把福音变成帮助人发财、成功、健康、改善生活或者取得政治利益的方法。

We must not turn the gospel into a way to become rich, successful, healthy, comfortable, or politically powerful.

我们也不可把福音简单等同于自由、平等、博爱、民主、法治、道德、文明、慈善或者和平。

We must not simply identify the gospel with freedom, equality, brotherhood, democracy, rule of law, morality, civilization, charity, or peace.

这些事情当中，有许多在正确的意义上可以是好的社会价值。

Many of these things can be good social values when they are rightly understood.

但它们都不能赦免人的罪，也不能使死人重生，更不能代替耶稣基督。

But none of them can forgive sin, give spiritual life to the dead, or replace Jesus Christ.

二、完整相关经文

II. Complete Supporting Scriptures

1. 马太福音 5:13–16

Matthew 5:13–16

中文《和合本》

> 13 你们是世上的盐。盐若失了味，怎能叫它再咸呢？以后无用，不过丢在外面，被人践踏了。

>

> 14 你们是世上的光。城造在山上，是不能隐藏的。

>

> 15 人点灯，不放在斗底下，是放在灯台上，就照亮一家的人。

>

> 16 你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父。

English — WEB

> 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.

>

> 14 You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.

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> 15 Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.

>

> 16 Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

简要解释

Simple Explanation

耶稣没有叫基督徒逃离世界。

Jesus did not tell Christians to escape from the world.

盐必须接触食物，光必须照在黑暗中。

Salt must touch the food, and light must shine in darkness.

因此，基督徒应当在家庭、工作、学校、社区和社会中发挥好的影响。

Therefore, Christians should have a good influence in the family, workplace, school, community, and society.

但是，第16节特别告诉我们，基督徒行善最终不是为了高举自己。

But verse 16 especially tells us that Christians do good works not to exalt themselves.

我们的好行为最终应当使人把荣耀归给天父。

Our good works should finally lead people to glorify our Father in heaven.

改革宗要点

Reformed Point

善行不是得救的根基，却是得救以后必然结出的果子。

Good works are not the foundation of salvation, but they are necessary fruits of salvation.

我们不是靠好行为称义。

We are not justified by good works.

但是，一个真正因信称义的人，应当结出好行为的果子。

But a person who is truly justified by faith should produce the fruit of good works.

2. 启示录 18:4

Revelation 18:4

中文《和合本》

> 我又听见从天上有声音说：“我的民哪，你们要从那城出来，免得与她一同有罪，受她所受的灾殃。”

English — WEB

> I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, that you have no participation in her sins, and that you don’t receive of her plagues.”

简要解释

Simple Explanation

“从她出来”首先不是叫所有基督徒离开社会。

“Come out of her” does not first mean that all Christians must leave society.

这里强调的是：神的百姓不可参与巴比伦所代表的罪恶、偶像崇拜和悖逆。

The point is that God’s people must not participate in the sin, idolatry, and rebellion represented by Babylon.

基督徒可以生活在世界中，却不可属于世界的罪恶体系。

Christians can live in the world, but we must not belong to the sinful system of the world.

我们可以参与社会，却不能被社会同化。

We may participate in society, but we must not be conformed to it.

3. 希伯来书 11:13

Hebrews 11:13

中文《和合本》

> 这些人都是存着信心死的，并没有得着所应许的，却从远处望见，且欢喜迎接，又承认自己在世上是客旅，是寄居的。

English — WEB

> These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and embraced them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

简要解释

Simple Explanation

圣徒知道自己在地上的生活不是最终的归宿。

The saints knew that life on earth was not their final home.

他们认真生活，却不把今生当作全部。

They lived seriously, but they did not treat this life as everything.

他们拥有产业、家庭和责任，却知道自己最终是在等候神的应许。

They had possessions, families, and responsibilities, but they knew they were finally waiting for God’s promise.

4. 希伯来书 11:16

Hebrews 11:16

中文《和合本》

> 他们却羡慕一个更美的家乡，就是在天上的。所以神被称为他们的神，并不以为耻，因为他已经给他们预备了一座城。

English — WEB

> But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

简要解释

Simple Explanation

基督徒最终所盼望的，不是一个完美的地上国家。

The Christian’s final hope is not a perfect earthly nation.

我们最终所盼望的是神为祂百姓所预备的更美家乡。

Our final hope is the better country that God has prepared for His people.

因此，即使我们努力改善社会，也不能把政治制度、经济发展或者国家强盛变成终极盼望。

Therefore, even when we work to improve society, we must not make political systems, economic growth, or national power our final hope.

我们的终极盼望在基督和祂永恒的国。

Our final hope is in Christ and His eternal kingdom.

5. 提摩太前书 6:6–10

1 Timothy 6:6–10

中文《和合本》

> 6 然而，敬虔加上知足的心便是大利了；

>

> 7 因为我们没有带什么到世上来，也不能带什么去。

>

> 8 只要有衣有食，就当知足。

>

> 9 但那些想要发财的人，就陷在迷惑、落在网罗和许多无知有害的私欲里，叫人沉在败坏和灭亡中。

>

> 10 贪财是万恶之根。有人贪恋钱财，就被引诱离了真道，用许多愁苦把自己刺透了。

English — WEB

> 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

>

> 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out.

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> 8 But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.

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> 9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.

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> 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

简要解释

Simple Explanation

福音绝不是“信耶稣以后一定发财”的信息。

The gospel is never the message, “Believe in Jesus and you will certainly become rich.”

保罗反而警告那些一心想发财的人。

Paul actually warns people who are determined to become rich.

金钱本身不是罪。

Money itself is not sin.

问题是“贪爱钱财”。

The problem is “the love of money.”

一个人甚至可能表面敬虔，却把神当成得到财富的工具。

A person may even appear religious while using God as a tool to get wealth.

这正是成功神学最危险的错误之一。

This is one of the most dangerous errors of the prosperity gospel.

三、一个非常重要的神学区分

III. A Very Important Theological Distinction

社会关怀不是福音，但福音会产生社会关怀。

Social concern is not the gospel, but the gospel produces social concern.

这一句话非常重要。

如果我们说：“只要传福音，不需要关心穷人、不公义或者邻舍的需要”，这是错误的。

If we say, “Just preach the gospel; we do not need to care about the poor, injustice, or the needs of our neighbors,” that is wrong.

但反过来也同样错误：

如果我们说：“帮助穷人、改善社会、争取自由和平等就是福音”，这也是错误的。

But the opposite is also wrong: “Helping the poor, improving society, and seeking freedom and equality is the gospel.”

正确的关系是：

福音产生善行。

The gospel produces good works.

福音产生怜悯。

The gospel produces mercy.

福音产生公义的生活。

The gospel produces a life of justice.

但是这些果子不是福音本身。

But these fruits are not the gospel itself.

四、什么才是福音的中心？

IV. What Is the Center of the Gospel?

福音的中心不是：

“怎样让我的生活更舒服？”

“How can I make my life more comfortable?”

不是：

“怎样让我发财？”

“How can I become rich?”

不是：

“怎样建立完美社会？”

“How can we build a perfect society?”

也不是：

“怎样让所有人都喜欢我？”

“How can I make everyone like me?”

福音首先告诉我们：

人是罪人。

Man is a sinner.

罪使人与神隔绝。

Sin separates man from God.

我们不能靠自己救自己。

We cannot save ourselves.

耶稣基督为罪人死，又从死里复活。

Jesus Christ died for sinners and rose from the dead.

凡真正悔改并信靠基督的人，都因恩典得救。

Everyone who truly repents and trusts in Christ is saved by grace.

这才是福音最核心的信息。

This is the heart of the gospel.

五、那么自由、平等、民主、法治、慈善、和平呢？

V. What About Freedom, Equality, Democracy, Rule of Law, Charity, and Peace?

这里必须很谨慎。

这些词本身并不等于罪恶。

These words themselves are not equal to evil.

其中很多原则，在符合圣经定义的时候，可以成为社会中的善。

Many of these principles can be social goods when they are defined in ways consistent with Scripture.

例如：

真正的法治可以限制人的罪恶和权力滥用。

True rule of law can restrain human sin and the abuse of power.

真正的宗教自由可以保护人按照良心敬拜神。

True religious freedom can protect people as they worship God according to conscience.

慈善可以帮助贫穷和受苦的人。

Charity can help the poor and suffering.

和平可以使家庭、教会和社会得以安静生活。

Peace can allow families, churches, and society to live quietly.

所以问题不是：

“这些东西是不是全部不好？”

“Are all these things bad?”

不是。

真正的问题是：

“这些东西是不是福音？”

“Are these things the gospel?”

答案是：

不是。

No.

民主不能使罪人重生。

Democracy cannot give new birth to sinners.

自由不能除去人的罪。

Freedom cannot remove human sin.

法律不能改变石心。

Law cannot change a heart of stone.

慈善不能使人称义。

Charity cannot justify a sinner.

文明不能使人与神和好。

Civilization cannot reconcile man to God.

只有基督能够拯救。

Only Christ can save.

六、改革宗角度

VI. Reformed Perspective

改革宗神学在这里特别强调几个平衡：

第一，神掌管整个世界。

First, God rules over the whole world.

世界的历史不是偶然发展的。

战争、和平、国家兴衰、贫穷富足，都没有逃出神护理的范围。

War, peace, the rise and fall of nations, poverty, and prosperity are never outside God’s providence.

但是：

神掌权并不意味着人没有责任。

God’s sovereignty does not mean that human beings have no responsibility.

第二，基督徒具有地上的责任。

Second, Christians have earthly responsibilities.

我们应该：

做好工作。

Work faithfully.

照顾家庭。

Care for our families.

怜悯贫穷的人。

Show mercy to the poor.

帮助受苦的人。

Help those who suffer.

维护公义。

Uphold justice.

作诚实的公民。

Be honest citizens.

但是：

这些事情永远不能代替传福音。

These things must never replace the preaching of the gospel.

第三，今生不是终点。

Third, this life is not the end.

希伯来书11章不断提醒我们：

我们是客旅。

We are pilgrims.

我们是寄居的。

We are strangers on earth.

我们在寻找一个更美的家乡。

We are looking for a better country.

因此，一个基督徒即使一生贫穷、受苦、被逼迫，只要他在基督里，他仍然拥有世人不能夺去的产业。

Therefore, even if a Christian is poor, suffering, or persecuted throughout this life, if he is in Christ, he still has an inheritance that the world cannot take away.

七、家庭查经讨论

VII. Family Bible Study Questions

1. 为什么耶稣把基督徒称为“盐”和“光”？

1. Why does Jesus call Christians “salt” and “light”?

2. 基督徒是否应该关心社会问题？为什么？

2. Should Christians care about social problems? Why?

3. 为什么社会改革不能代替福音？

3. Why can social reform never replace the gospel?

4. 为什么金钱和成功容易成为人的偶像？

4. Why can money and success easily become idols?

5. 希伯来书为什么把信徒称为“客旅”和“寄居的”？

5. Why does Hebrews describe believers as “strangers and pilgrims”?

6. 我们怎样做到既关心这个世界，又不把这个世界当成最终盼望？

6. How can we care about this world without making this world our final hope?

八、今晚家庭应用

VIII. Family Application for Tonight

我们一家可以一起思想：

我现在最看重的是什么？

What do I value most right now?

是钱财吗？

Is it money?

是工作吗？

Is it work?

是社会地位吗？

Is it social status?

是政治吗？

Is it politics?

是孩子的前途吗？

Is it my children’s future?

还是基督和祂的国？

Or is it Christ and His kingdom?

这些地上的事情可以重要。

These earthly things can be important.

但它们都不能成为我们的神。

But none of them can become our god.

我们的家庭应当学习：

在世界中忠心，却不属于世界。

Be faithful in the world, but do not belong to the world.

关心今生，却仰望永恒。

Care about this life, but look toward eternity.

努力行善，却只把救恩的盼望放在基督身上。

Work hard to do good, but place the hope of salvation in Christ alone.

今晚可以一起背诵

Memory Verse for Tonight

马太福音 5:16

> 「你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父。」

Matthew 5:16 — WEB

> “Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

下一课第37条的核心会非常重要：

“爱心不能离开真理——基督徒既要爱仇敌、尽力与人和睦，又不能以‘爱’和‘包容’为理由放弃神的圣洁、公义和真理。”

The next lesson, No. 37, deals with an important balance: love must never be separated from truth. Christians must love their enemies and seek peace, but we must never use “love” or “tolerance” as a reason to abandon God’s holiness, justice, and truth.