It’s unfortunate, but a lot of people seem to have this works-based mentality in regards to their salvation. In fact, I fall into it from time to time, but it’s a trap from the enemy. After all, if you believe that God won’t forgive you, the blood of Christ was not sufficient enough to cover your sins, or no one is good enough to get to Heaven on their own, then what reason is there to follow Jesus?
A friend told me recently of a young mother who was trying to explain her father’s death to her 4-year-old. The girl wondered where Grandpa was. “I’m sure he’s in heaven,” the mother answered, “because he was very good.” The girl replied sadly, “I guess I won’t be in heaven.” “Why not?” her mother asked in surprise. “’Cause I’m not very good.”
The story saddened me, as I’m saddened when I hear of others who believe they must be very good to get into heaven, especially since we all know deep down in our hearts that we’re not very good at all.
Perhaps like this little girl you’re thinking about your sins and asking, “What must I do to get to heaven?” The answer has already been given: Jesus, by His death, has paid in full the price of your sins, no matter how sordid, tawdry, or shameful they may be. Your salvation is free. God promises, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isa. 1:18).
No one is good enough to get into heaven. Eternal life is a gift. Receive Jesus by faith.
