How Good do I have to be to get into Heaven?

heaven-bound

Many years ago, as a born-again Christian I used to attend a church that seemed to emphasize that I was going to Hell unless my decisions on what I would do or not do is according to God’s Word. I would sit in the pews and feel very nervous about this. I knew that I could never live up to those standards that God expected of me so I was hesitant about studying the Word on a regular basis.  I was in fear that when I read the Bible, it would bring up things that I was guilty of that God forbids.  My Bible became very dusty during those years simply for my feelings of guilt. Even though I tried to do God’s will…many times I’d fall short.

church

Quite a few religions teach that I can lose my salvation even after accepting Jesus Christ.  I really wonder where it says in the Bible that through our behavior we can lose our salvation.  I have not found any guidelines or scripture to back this up at all.  God never intended to place such a burden on us.  I know that the Bible does contain these scriptures for reference:  

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9

…know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 2:16 NIV

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! Romans 5:9

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.  I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?
Galations 3:1-3

What a relief to find out that God gave us a gift which is His son Jesus Christ who paid for our sins in full on the cross.  Yes, we are to do God’s will according to the scriptures but good works alone will not get us into Heaven!  Now God did give us a helper who is the Holy Spirit that enables us to do His will.

cross

After I accepted Jesus Christ into my life, He is there though the Holy Spirit guiding me through this life and steers me in the best direction and helps my life become more joyful, blessed and filled with comfort. Even through difficult times He is there comforting me and answering prayer. It would be impossible to do God’s will without having the Holy Spirit direct me.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26

So I don’t have to be perfect to be a Saint which is what all of God’s children are according to the Bible, but instead I am blessed and empowered by almighty God when I follow His direction.  This is the best way to live I’ve found! Remember to trust Him, pray daily for His guidance and forgiveness. This won’t work unless you believe in Jesus Christ and turn your life over to Him. You will never need to worry about your salvation being taken away.