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How good do you have to be to get into heaven?

It can't be done. You can not get into heaven by being good, because no one can be good enough.

This is the right answer.

The Bible makes this very clear in numerous passages. Here are a few, starting with one of the most famous:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (KJV) John 3:16

"For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law." (NASB) Romans 3:28

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast." (NIV) Ephesians 2:8-9

"If then by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace." (NIV) Romans 11:6

Paul makes an interesting point in the book of Romans. If salvation were the result of our good works, then, once we had done sufficient good works, God would be obligated to give us salvation. Essentially God would be in our power. That's something that can not happen.

Sound confusing?

Technically, based on the Old Testament law, you can get into heaven through your good works. So that still leaves us with the question: How good do you need to be to get into heaven? The answer is that you need to be perfect. You need to be as good and pure as God.

It can't be done! "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" - Romans 3:23 (NIV)

We can not be saved by following the law. So what is the purpose of the OIld Testament law? Paul tells us:

"...but it is the law that showed me my sin." - Romans 7:7b (NLT)

We can read God's law, and we see that we lie. That we steal. That we lust (commit adultery in our hearts). So we know we are sinners and there is nothing we can do that is good enough. We can never even get close.

That's why the correct answer is that it can't be done. You can't get into heaven by being good, no matter how hard you try or how "good" you are. So what can you do?

The fact is... You will be judged, and you will be found to not be good enough. You will be sentenced to eternal punishment. (Once you are in hell, there is no way out - it is permanent.)

Here on earth what we would do is hire a really good lawyer. A lawyer who knows the court system. A lawyer who knows the law. A lawyer who knows the judge. A lawyer who knows what to do to save us from going to prison. Maybe a lawyer who is even good enough to figure out a way to get some other person to take our punishment so we can go free. (I say, if it's possible, do whatever it takes to avoid eternal punishment. Hell is not a nice place.)

So where do we find a lawyer that is that good, and who can represent us before God?

There is only one who might be able to do this. The judge Himself, Jesus Christ.

But God is just and the law is clear. Those who have sinned must be punished. Even with Jesus representing you, the judgment is clear. If justice is to be served, someone must be punished for the wrongs you have done and the laws you have broken. And that punishment is death - "for the wages (results) of sin is death" - Romans 6:23 (NIV)

This is where something amazing happens. Your lawyer steps forward, and says, "I will take this man's (or woman's) punishment, if he will let me."

This is incredible! You have been found guilty and your lawyer is willing to take your punishment (the death penalty). You can go free! All you need to do is say, yes.

Are you willing to say YES to Jesus? When he died on the cross he took the punishment for all your sins. If you say YES to Jesus, you become pure in God's eyes, and acceptable to come into God's presence in heaven. It doesn't matter who you are or what you have done. Hire Jesus as your lawyer. Tell Him that you are a sinner and that you need Him to represent you. Tell Him that you want to turn away from sin and follow His example. Tell Him that you accept Him into your life. And thank Him for taking your punishment. Thank Him for dor dying on the cross so that your sins are forgiven. Jesus can save you. He is the only one who can save you.

You can talk to Jesus any time, any where.

He is listening right now.

So talk to Him, right now.

Salvation Prayer