Myth, 42

~ If I Do Good I’ll Be Okay ~

Common Misconception  ~  If the good in my life outweighs the bad in my life I’ll make it to heaven.  God grades individuals on the curve, I just need to be above the cut-off point. 

The Great Religion Divide  ~  In all religions, except Christianity, doing good is a significant part of success with god.  In Christianity, the Bible makes it clear that no amount of good works will ever earn God’s favor or a place in heaven.  Christianity properly understood is not a religion but a relationship with a living Savior. 

The Fallacy  ~  “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  If a bank robber pleaded with the judge that because there are thousands of banks and he only robbed one of them he is not guilty—he’s better than career bank-robbers the judge would quickly dismiss his argument!  Judges do not grade on the curve!

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

The Critical Difference  ~  In all religions there is an element of DO versus Christianity recognizes that it is all DONE on the Cross of Calvary by Jesus Christ.  “For by grace [something good you did not deserve] you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Jesus Christ declared, “It [salvation] is finished!” (John 19:30).  Jesus Christ lived the sinless life that we could not live and He died the death, in our place, that we deserve.

Question for Pre-Christians  ~  Why not make your final destiny heaven today?  “And Jesus said to him [one of the thieves on the Cross next to Jesus], ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise’” (Luke 23:43). 

Question for Christians  ~  Are you becoming more holy or staying conformed to this world?  “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).  “We do not lose heart.  Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17). 

Closing Comments  ~  Chapter 2 of the Book of James in the Bible makes it clear that as a Christian good works are a natural result of your faith—not the basis of your faith.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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