Lies I Believe Part 3: I'll Get to Heaven by Being a Good PersonSample

NO ONE IS GOOD

Almost 60% of Americans believe that good works can earn someone a place in heaven (American Worldview Inventory 2021). However, who defines what is “good”? How many of these good works do we need to complete to earn our place? Generally, we define what is good enough to get into heaven by comparing ourselves to those around us. We say, “I’m not as bad as that person who does that bad thing.” Yet the Bible tells us the truth that none of us are good enough. This is because the one who defines what is good is God himself. He is good. We don’t live up to his standard (see the 10 commandments in Exodus 20). The logical conclusion is that we can’t earn enough good works to get into heaven. Honestly, it is discouraging, and can feel hopeless. We need to feel those feelings to be ready for God’s plan, the truth, about how to get into heaven which is through Jesus.

Ask Yourself:

How close (or far) are you to God’s standard of good?

How many of the 10 commandments have you broken?

Pause to Pray:

Lord, I fall so short of your standard of what is good. I confess that I have fallen short in these areas….

Take the Next Step:

At the end of each day this week, read over the 10 commandments and reflect on how you fall short of God’s standard. Confess those areas to him.