Redemption is the Work of God

Growing up I always thought that if I choose good, I’ll be good. The older I got the harder it was to do good. Let me tell what I mean.
I was born in a Christian home. Raised to know the difference between good and evil. But as a typically modern Christian (ignored the lessons from my parents) I believed that if I don’t do any harm, I’ll have good standards with God. And this, my friend, defeats the whole purpose of God’s providence, which is the redemption of God’s work for your life.

Do All Good People Go to Heaven?

60% of Americans believe they are good people. There is a common perception that has long one leads a good life, they will get to heaven. But don’t all good people go to heaven? Let’s take a look at 3 assumptions; one, we have an assumption that God exists and He’s all-knowing. Two, although some “bad” people, may need punishment, most people are generally good and are entitled to heaven. Lastly, there is a popular view that the entry to heaven is on the basis of merit (works) rather than God’s grace.

God is All-Loving but is Just.

From a Christian worldview not only does God exist but also is the creator, pillar, and architect of all universe and what is in it. As Christians, we cling to the general principles about God, such as His power, moral nature, and simply, His existence. We learn many specifics about God from the Bible-His revelation to humanity. It is in here that we learn God is full of mercy but also justice, (Deut. 4:31, Daniel 9:9, Job 34:12, Ps. 45:6, and Isaiah 30:18). These characteristics of His being, directly about His justice and holiness, meaning that anything sinful cannot dwell in the presence of God.

With that being said, let’s go back to the basics of the 10 commandments, also known as, The Moral Law.

The Moral Law (10 commandments)

1) I am the Lord thy God! Thou shalt have no other Gods but me!

2) Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain!

3) Thou shalt keep the Sabbath Day holy!

4) Thou shalt honor father and mother!

5) Thou shalt not kill!
-Jesus said-Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him (1 John 3:15-17).

6) Thou shalt not commit adultery!
-Jesus said-but I tell you that everyone who gazes with to lust has committed adultery in their heart (Matthew 5:28).

7) Thou shalt not steal!

8) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor!

9) Do not let thyself lust after thy neighbor’s wife!

10) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, nor his farm, nor his cattle, nor anything that is his!

What does good really mean? According to dictionary.com, the definition of good means morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious.

Take the test based on the 10 commandments, are you morally excellent?

Are Most People Good?

The second assumption is that although some “bad” people may need punishment, most are generally “good” and entitled to heaven. This position views people as “good” and entitles them to heaven tends to make a huge mistake by viewing human nature as good. Biblical evidence, as well as experimental evidence, show that human nature is actually not good.

As the Bible explains, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9).” Now, here’s a verse that really hits strong, Psalm 51:5: “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”

So, Biblically speaking, most people are not “good”. In fact, when comparing to God’s standards of holiness, no one is “good”. To one degree, we all “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). However, this does not mean that we actively engage in doing evil or taking part in depraved acts. But it does mean that in our very own nature, we are “fallen”, in rebellion towards God and incapable of saving ourselves. Which means redemption is the work of God.

Our Works vs. His Grace

Lastly, the common view of entering into heaven is on the basis of merit (our works) rather than God’s grace. The works based system of salvation is far from the message of Christ. While this perception is common, it is Biblically false. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.“

Grace is God’s unmerited favor, demonstrated fully in the sacrifice of Christ. In shorter words, the only way to heaven is through Jesus, “the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6)” This unmerited grace is the gift of redemption done by God for His people.

What good is good enough without God being our good?

Read more about the privileges of the “Redeemed”, here.