Deep Thoughts from Samantha: Do You Think You're Good Enough?

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I find it really sad that there actually are people who think being good enough is what you need to do to get into heaven. Don't misunderstand. I believe you should still try to be good in the way you live your life here on Earth. However, that is not the primary reason you can get into heaven. Nor, is that a prerequisite.

I also find it sad that people really think they can earn their way into heaven. What do I mean by that? I mean there really are people who think that saying certain prayers everyday or just promising God that you would never kill anyone or do any other heinous sins would guarantee that they would get a free pass into heaven. Guys, if that's your thinking? Oh, you're not alone. I used to think that way too. Thank God for making me see the truth!

Friends, I don't think that's how it goes. As a matter of fact according to scripture that is not how it goes. It all starts with this bible verse, for all
have sinned and fallen short....There you have it. "All have sinned," says God. "Fallen short of the glory of God." What does all of this mean? What is Sam trying to point out?

Well, first of all no one is without sin. So, one trying to earn good merits is not a way to guarantee their entrance in heaven. They're definitely going about things the wrong way. If God is saying that all have sinned! Um.... If he is saying, "All have fallen short of the glory of God?" Again, I say ugh...

I once heard that Americans are basically good. Researcher George Barna, in his book, "What Americans Believe" reveals this. He says that "84% of non-christians agree with the statement that people are basically good." I guess we shouldn't find that too surprising. What is kind of surprising is that he also found that "77% of self-described Christians thought the same thing."

I think the question is this. So, are people basically good? I really don't know. I guess some people are good. Then again the 10:00 news amongst other things reports bad stuff done by people who would be considered bad because of what they did.

Friends, you see what's going on here? Basically, stop trying to earn your salvation by yourself. You want to be guaranteed a spot in heaven Turn to Jesus! Accept Jesus! We need to believe in Jesus! I can't stress this enough. Stop trying to earn your salvation and trying to be good enough. All you have to do is except the free gift of Jesus! I repeat, free!

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.

Ephesians 2:8‭-‬9

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

1 John 5: 11-12

And, this is the testimony God has given us eternal life, and this the life is in his son. He who has the son has life, he who does not have the Son

Of God does not have life.

Romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

John 14:6

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Jimmy Needham: Forgiven and Loved