Won’t I make it to heaven, if I live a good life, go to church and feed the poor? I. The Question of Eternal Life Many wonder whether a morally upright life, church attendance, and acts of charity guarantee a place in heaven. While these practices are valuable and admirable, a thorough examination of Scripture—our ultimate authority—shows that salvation and eternal life hinge upon a more foundational truth than simply following moral or religious customs. II. Biblical Definition of Salvation The Bible teaches that everyone has sinned and therefore requires reconciliation with God. As stated, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin is a moral debt that separates humanity from a holy Creator. In Scripture, salvation—the restoration of relationship with God—is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8–9 affirms, “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.” This underscores that salvation cannot be earned by human effort. It is a divine gift bestowed on all who trust in Christ’s atoning sacrifice. III. The Bible’s Perspective on Good Works Feeding the poor, living uprightly, or even giving to charity are never discouraged in Scripture; in fact, they are encouraged. James 2:17 notes, “So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” Believers are expected to demonstrate compassion and kindness as outward signs of an inward transformation. These good works, however, follow saving faith rather than produce it. Luke 18 presents the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, illustrating that trusting in one’s own righteousness leads to self-exaltation rather than genuine repentance. Only the tax collector, humbly acknowledging his sin, was justified before God: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14). IV. Faith Over Rituals Attending church and participating in religious rituals can be healthy expressions of reverence toward God, but Scripture clarifies that mere external adherence is insufficient. Jesus openly challenged the hollow piety of religious leaders in His day, saying, “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me” (Matthew 15:8). True faith entails an inner change of heart, leading to a real relationship with the Lord. It involves trusting in Christ’s redemptive work on the cross and consciously acknowledging Him as Savior and Lord. V. The Need for Christ’s Sacrifice Because all have sinned, a perfect sacrifice was necessary to restore fellowship with God. Jesus, both fully God and fully man, voluntarily laid down His life for humankind. Scripture testifies, “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). The necessity of the cross highlights that no measure of personal virtue or devotion could pay the penalty for sin. It is Christ’s sacrifice alone that provides forgiveness, bridging the gap between humankind and the eternal God. VI. The Role of Repentance and Belief The Bible consistently connects salvation to a heartfelt turn toward God, known as repentance. Jesus began His ministry proclaiming, “Repent and believe in the gospel!” (Mark 1:15). Repentance involves recognizing one’s sin, expressing sincere sorrow for it, and turning away from it with the help of the Holy Spirit. John 3:16 summarizes the core of Christian belief: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Belief of this kind implies trust and yielding to Christ’s lordship, beyond mere intellectual assent or occasional religious activity. VII. Historical Evidence for Christ’s Resurrection Central to salvation is the reality of Christ’s resurrection. Multiple lines of historical evidence support this event: • Early Manuscripts and Sources: New Testament writings such as 1 Corinthians 15:3–8 circulated as early as within a few decades of the crucifixion, indicating firsthand testimonies of the resurrection. Dead Sea Scroll findings demonstrate the remarkable consistency of biblical texts over time. • Early Church Growth: The rapid growth of the Christian movement in the first century, amid persecution, points to the disciples’ unshakable belief that they had encountered the risen Christ. • Extrabiblical References: Non-Christian historical documents such as those by the Jewish historian Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18) and the Roman historian Tacitus (Annals, Book 15) refer to Jesus’ crucifixion under Pontius Pilate, supporting the biblical narrative’s historicity. The resurrection is significant because it authenticates Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and demonstrates His victory over sin and death, making possible the believer’s own future resurrection unto eternal life. VIII. Conclusion and Invitation A good life, regular church attendance, and charity toward the needy represent noble behaviors admired in Scripture. Yet these practices alone cannot resolve the issue of sin or guarantee eternal life. Salvation is divinely orchestrated and rooted in the sacrificial work and triumphant resurrection of Jesus, who declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). By acknowledging personal sin, repenting, and placing trust in Christ as Savior, one enters into a renewed relationship with the Creator, with the assurance of eternal life. Works of compassion follow this inner transformation, illustrating that faith is genuine and active. Rather than resting in moral achievements or religious traditions, the invitation is to rely wholly on the grace offered through Jesus—the only path to salvation and life everlasting. |
    |