We all know one. You know, the people we label as "Ms. Goody Two-Shoes" or "Mr. Nice Guy." They're the people that seem like they never do anything wrong. They never speak an unkind word, and they're always doing things for others. We usually secretly envy them. And, sometimes, we even think: they MUST be going to heaven...surely somebody that good goes to heaven.
My Daddy was (and still is) full of wise information. I remember him telling me one time that some good people would go to hell, and some bad people would go to heaven. Growing up as a preacher's kid (pk), I knew why he said that. But, the more I talk with people, I realize that many don't believe or understand that. Thus, today's post.
Just how good does one have to be to go to heaven? I recently heard someone explain that God treats us like we treat others, so it's important to be good to others. Oh, heavens! I'm so glad that's not true...because if it were, God may as well go ahead and strike me dead!
The Bible explains that in God's eyes, our good deeds are like filthy rags. Think nasty, disgusting, never-come-clean filthy. That's what our good deeds are like to Him. So, exactly how good do we have to be? Well, the Bible also says that there is none (not one single person) good...not even one! If that's true, then let me change the question:
How does one get to heaven?
Jesus gives us the answer: "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Me." We must believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died on the cross to accept the punishment for our sins, that He rose again on the third day, and that He is the only way we are made righteous before the Holy God. Wow! I just threw out some "religious words." So, I feel the need to explain in as simply a way as possible!
Sins - anything we do that breaks God's Law. Have you ever told a white lie? What about gossip?...Guilty? Me too. Those are sins. The Bible says that ALL have sinned and come short of God's glory.
Righteous - holy, free from all wrong.
So, what are we to do since we've all sinned and we need to be made righteous? Can we possibly be good enough, do enough to outweigh our sins and be made holy? Absolutely not. The only way to be made clean from sin, and to be made righteous is through Jesus. We must admit to God that we are sinners, and that we recognize that Jesus is the only way to be made righteous. We must accept His free gift of grace (receiving something you don't deserve...you can't earn this!), and put our faith (hoping and believing in what you can't see) in Him.
Back to my questions: How good does one have to be to go to heaven? And, how does one get to heaven? Heaven is the final destination. But, while on this earth, our purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. You can't enjoy someone with whom you don't have a relationship. If you don't have a relationship with the Heavenly Father, you are not a child of God. I beg you to abandon "good deeds" and enter into a relationship with the only One Who will never disappoint you!
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