Day 16 – You Don’t Have to Be That Good to Get Into Heaven

Day 16

Read

Romans 3:23-26

Reflect

I’m always surprised when people tell me they’re waiting to become Christians because they need to get their act together. Or that God must not like them because somehow they don’t measure up.

Really?

Since when did that become the standard for becoming a Christian or being loved by God?

It’s easy to believe that you don’t measure up if you believe you need to be good to go to heaven. But as we saw yesterday, that position has all kinds of logical holes in it.

And besides, it’s not even Christian.

You can read the entire Bible and not once find the assertion that good people go to heaven.

Why is that? Because it’s not there.

Read through Romans 3:23-26.

It says we’ve all sinned. All of us–you, me, everyone.  So our ‘goodness’ apparently isn’t that impressive. And moreover, I have sinned. And so have you. So while it’s not nice to think about that, it is accurate.

But look at verse 24: Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous.

When it comes to goodness and being saved, know this:

It’s not about how good you are; it’s about how good God is.

Think about this:

It’s a good God who’s inviting you into a relationship with Jesus.

It’s a good God who wants to proclaim forgiveness and a new beginning in your life.

It’s a good God who’s calling you into a deeper relationship with him.

The kind of God who declares you righteous is the kind of God who is good. And the kind of God who loved you – deeply.

Respond

Belong – Because you can belong before you believe.
What does it mean to you that you don’t have to ‘clean up your act’ before becoming a Christian?

Believe – Because those who belong often start to believe.
What’s keeping you from fully surrendering your life to Jesus Christ?

Become – Because those who believe can become someone new.
How would your life be different today if you lived like God loves you, forgives you and declares you to be righteous?

Dear God, thank you that salvation doesn’t depend on how good I am, but rather on how good you are. Help me to respond to your goodness extended toward me today in all I do.  Through Christ I pray, Amen.

– by Carey Nieuwhof
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Carey Nieuwhof

Written By

Carey Nieuwhof

Carey is the founding pastor of Connexus Church and has been serving in ministry since 1995. He is passionate about leading people into a relationship with Christ and helping people thrive in life and leadership.

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