If you asked a random person on the street if they think they are a good person, most would probably say yes. After all, they haven’t killed anyone, they give to charity sometimes, and they try to treat people with kindness. But here’s the real question: By whose standard is “good” measured?
Imagine taking a university exam where you assume passing is 50%, only to find out the passing mark is 90%. No matter how hard you worked, you still fail because you didn’t meet the actual requirement. That’s what it’s like when we assume being a “good person” is enough for salvation. We are measuring goodness by human standards, but God’s standard is much higher.
The truth is, no matter how moral we think we are, goodness alone is not enough to earn salvation. But if that’s the case, then what does God require? Let’s dive in.
It All Starts with God
Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life begins with a simple but profound truth: “It’s not about you.” Life doesn’t start with us—it starts with God. We were created by Him, for Him, and without Him, life has no true meaning.
I work in tech, and most of what I learn requires me to consult tutorials and documentation. Some issues are straightforward, and I can find answers easily. But for complex problems, I need to consult the creator of the software or the expert who built it.
Life works the same way. The Bible is our manual. The true preachers and men of faith who have walked before us are like tutorials, providing guidance based on their experiences. But ultimately, we need to consult the Creator Himself—God.
And here’s the good news: Unlike product manufacturers who take 3-5 business days to respond, God is available 24/7. The Bible says:
“Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” – Psalm 121:4
God is always ready to listen. He’s the only one who truly understands us because He designed us. Yet, instead of turning to Him, many of us try to figure out life on our own.
Good Works Are Not Enough
Many people believe that if they do more good than bad, they will go to heaven. But salvation is not a scale where good deeds outweigh bad ones. The Bible is clear:
“All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” – Isaiah 64:6
Imagine someone committing a crime and then telling the judge, “But I’ve helped the poor, volunteered at shelters, and donated money!” Would those good deeds erase their crime? Of course not! The judge wouldn’t be just if they let them go unpunished.
In the same way, God is a just judge. He cannot ignore sin just because we’ve done good things. If our goodness was enough, then Jesus would not have needed to die on the cross.
So, How Can We Be Saved?
If being good isn’t enough, then how can we be saved? The Bible lays out a clear path to salvation:
1. Acknowledge That You Are a Sinner
Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
This means everyone, no matter how moral, has sinned at some point. Lying, pride, envy—even small sins separate us from God.
2. Understand That Sin Has Consequences
Romans 6:23 warns us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Sin isn’t just about making mistakes—it carries spiritual consequences. Just like breaking a country’s law has penalties, breaking God’s law results in separation from Him.
3. Believe in Jesus Christ
John 14:6 tells us, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
There is only one way to be saved—through Jesus Christ. It’s not about religion, tradition, or self-improvement. It’s about surrendering to Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
4. Confess and Repent
Romans 10:9 declares, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Repentance doesn’t mean being perfect—it means turning away from sin and choosing to follow God.
5. Accept God’s Gift of Grace
Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Salvation is not earned—it’s a gift. All we have to do is accept it.
6. Walk in Faith and Grow Spiritually
Becoming a Christian is the beginning of the journey, not the end. Just like a newborn needs to grow, a believer needs spiritual growth. This happens through prayer, reading the Bible, and being part of a faith community.
Why Do Good Works Matter Then?
If good works don’t save us, does that mean we can live however we want? No! Once we are saved, good works become evidence of our faith.
James 2:17 says: “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Good works should flow from salvation, not towards salvation. Think of it like this:
- A tree doesn’t produce fruit to become a tree—it produces fruit because it is already a tree.
- Likewise, Christians don’t do good works to be saved—they do good works because they are saved.
The Role of Good Works in a Christian’s Life
- Reflecting Christ’s Love – We are called to love others as Christ loved us.
- Helping Others – True faith is shown through acts of kindness and service.
- Being a Light to the World – Our lives should inspire others to seek God.
- Obedience to God – We obey, not to earn salvation, but out of love for God.
Final Thoughts
Being a good person is admirable, but it’s not enough for salvation. We need God, not just for purpose but for redemption from sin. However, once we are saved, good works become a natural response to God’s love.
If you’ve been relying on your own goodness, it’s time to shift your focus to God’s grace. Salvation is a free gift—you can receive it today.
So, let me ask you: Have you received God’s free gift, or are you still trying to earn it?
