I wonder.....

can being good get you into heaven?

Teachers have developed two systems for grading their stundent's performance. First, there is the "curve." Put simply, in a particular class 50 precent of the students will score above the average, 50 precent will score below. Often those who score below the average still have a chance to pass. That's why students seem to like this system best.

Then there is the "set" scale. With this system, a certain percentage determines your grade. If you get below a 75 percent grade, for example, you fail.

Most people would like to believe that God grades on a curve. In other words , if they're better than others, it will be all right with God. All they have to do to pass is not kill anyone or steal, mind their own business, and wait heaven.

Unfortunately, God doesn't grade that way. Psalm 14:1-3 is clear. There isn't anyone who is good. Not One! All of us have strayed away. This doesn't mean we're all murderers, it means our heart is stained with the sin of Adam - the desire to be god of our life and run it ourself. No one has a pure heart. (See Luke 18:18-27 for a great illustration.)

God has one method of salvation. In His wisdom, He gave everyone the opportunity to go to heaven by faith, not just our good works. All a person has to do to be saved is believe that Christ paid the penalty for our sin and rose from the dead: "God saved you by His special favor when you believed. And you can not take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we done, so none of us can boast about it."

(Ephesians 2:8-9).

Most people say this is too simple. But that's the whole idea! God isn't trying to make it tough on us. He wants us to be with Him forever!

Throughout your life you will run into people who believe that simply living a good life means heaven awaits. A good life is important to point people to a Holy God, but it will not buy you a ticket to heaven. Your ticket as all ready been paid for by Jesus Christ! You must come to Him to recive it.

Once again, it is simple, believe in your heart, and have a personal relationship with Him. Also remind yourselves of this: There are going to be a lot of good people in hell, and hopefully more good people in heaven. Put that really depends on us, reaching out to the lost.