Good people make it to Heaven, right?

Question: If I live a good, clean, respectable life, will I not surely be saved?

Answer: This is the common belief of humanity, but it is wrong.

"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the way of death." (Proverbs 14:12)

To the natural mind this seems right, but it is not. There are two major problems with this thinking.

First, it makes salvation something we merit or earn. It obligates God. He then owes it to us.
Salvation on the other hand is by grace, or unmerited favor (Ephesians 2: 8,9).

Second, when God looks at that kind of person He sees their past sins. "God requireth that which is past" (Ecclesiastes 3:15). God does not look at us, as you presently are, but He sees our life from the cradle to the grave.

We are without strength to save ourselves (Romans 5:6). It could not be by works; if so, then man could boast. "Not by works lest any man should boast."(Ephesians 2:9)

Quitting all our sins is very good, and it will make us a better person in society, but it will not take away one past sin we have committed.

These sins must be taken away before we can be saved. Only the blood of Christ can cleanse you from sin—1 John 1:7.

People who live good lives, depending on that to save them, will never make it; but their judgment in eternity and the penalty will be less. "Every man shall be judged according to their works." (Revelation 20:11)

Are you depending on yourself or Christ for salvation? He alone can save. This is why He is called "Savior"—Luke 2:11.