Why is Micah 6:8 is so often misunderstood 525 - 9 - 3

Micah 6:8, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

I’m not so sure that Micah 6:8 is misunderstood, rather it is rejected as too simple and eliminates man’s control through works.

 “Micah 6:6-8 What does the Most High seek in return for this? Not extravagant animal sacrifices! Certainly not human sacrifices! But justice, and mercy, and humility. Verse 8 describes what God requires; to obey this a person must have divine life. An unconverted person is totally incapable of producing this kind of righteousness.” [Believers Bible Commentary]

The gospel is so very simple. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, “3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” Our salvation/ justification rests upon the substitutionary character of the death of Christ, Ephesians 2:8-9, “8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Jesus was the propitiation for our sin, Isaiah 53:5, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

I’m reminded of the serpent in the garden, “Did God really say that.” Can it be this simple? No requirement for burnt offerings, for works? Satan would have us believe that we take part in our own salvation. Not so, it is a gift which seems to go against man’s pride in doing it his way.

Grace justifies us not works, however, good works tend to follow. As we work out our sanctification, we are to do justly, to love mercy and to walk by God. Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” As God’s creation, we are “that which has been made, a work, of the works of God as creator.” [Thayer]

“He - God hath already told you in his word, with what you ought to come before him. To do justly - To render to every one their due, superiors, equals, inferiors, to be equal to all, and oppress none, in body, goods or name; in all your dealings with men carry a chancery in your own beasts, and do according to equity. To love mercy - To be kind, merciful and compassionate to all, not using severity towards any. Walk humbly with thy God - Keep up a constant fellowship with God, by humble, holy faith.” [John Wesley Commentary]