Answers

Q:

I've been fairly successful in life, and although I'm not a churchgoer, I've always tried to live by the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule. But how do I know if I've been good enough to get into heaven?


A:

Nothing is more important than the eternal destiny of your soul—and I’m thankful you’re beginning to think about it. Sadly, many people never give even a moment’s thought to what will happen to them when they die—and then it’s too late. I pray you won’t be one of them.

One day, your life on this earth will be over—and when it is, you will stand before God. What will you say to Him? What reason will you give Him for letting you into heaven? Will it be your wealth and success? Or will you claim He ought to let you into heaven because of your good deeds or your character?

If so, you will be tragically disappointed—because God’s standard is nothing less than perfection. God is holy, and even one sin—just one—is enough to keep you out of heaven. The Bible warns, “Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it” (James 2:10).

None of us can save ourselves, because we are all sinners in the eyes of God. But does that mean we have no hope? No—and the reason is because Jesus Christ came into the world to save us. He came to do for us what we could never do for ourselves, and now He offers us salvation as a free gift. Don’t trust yourself for your salvation, but turn in faith to Christ and trust Him. God’s promise is for you: “Everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life” (John 6:40).