"I'm a Good Person" - Hell Awaits You.

Introduction: A Common Belief

Many people believe that if they’re a good person, they’ll go to heaven. It sounds reasonable, doesn’t it? If we’re kind to others, avoid major sins, and do our best, God should accept us, right?

But the Bible teaches us something very different. It’s not about being a “good person”; it’s about being made right with God through Jesus Christ. Let’s talk about why being good isn’t enough and what God says about how we get to heaven.

God’s Standard is Perfect, and None of Us Are Perfect

We like to compare ourselves to others. “I’m not as bad as that person,” we think. But God doesn’t compare us to others—He compares us to His perfect standard.

Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That means every single one of us has missed the mark. Even the best person you know has sinned. A little white lie, a selfish thought, a moment of anger—all of it separates us from God because He is holy and perfect.

God's judgement is defined by the his law, no amount of good deeds can erase the fact that we’re sinners. Imagine trying to pay off a zillion-dollar debt with pennies. That’s what it’s like to try to earn heaven by being “good enough.” It’s impossible.

Salvation is a Gift, Not Something You Earn

Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Heaven isn’t something we can work for or earn. It’s a free gift from God. Why? Because Jesus already did the work for us. When He died on the cross, He took the punishment for our sins. He paid the price that we couldn’t pay.

Think about it: if we could earn heaven by being good, why did Jesus have to die? His sacrifice shows us that our goodness will never be enough. Only His perfect righteousness can save us.

Jesus is the Only Way to Heaven

In John 14:6, Jesus says something very bold:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Notice what He doesn’t say. He doesn’t say, “I’m one of the ways,” or “Just be a good person.” He says, “I am the way.” There is no other path to God.

Good deeds are a result of knowing Jesus, not a ticket into heaven. When we trust in Him, He changes our hearts. We start to live differently—not because we’re trying to earn something, but because we’ve already been given the greatest gift: salvation.

What Does This Mean for Us?

This doesn’t mean we stop trying to do good. God wants us to live lives full of love, kindness, and obedience to Him. But those things are the fruit of our faith, not the root of our salvation.

If you’ve been relying on your own goodness to get to heaven, it’s time to stop and trust in Jesus instead. Admit that you’re a sinner, believe that Jesus died and rose again for you, and ask Him to forgive you and be your Savior. That’s what it takes to be made right with God.

Conclusion: The Good News

The truth is, none of us are “good enough” to earn heaven. But the good news is, we don’t have to be. God’s love for us is so great that He made a way for us through Jesus.

Today, if you’re trying to measure up or earn your way to heaven, stop striving and accept the gift of grace. Jesus has done it all—you just have to trust Him.

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

Trust in that gift, and you can know with certainty that heaven is your home.

Closing Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for Your unfailing love and for the promise of eternal life with You. Help me to trust wholly in Your standard of good, knowing that it is not my deeds, but Your grace that will lead me to heaven.

In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.