Answer this question: "I'm a good person, so why must I accept Jesus to go to Heaven? It's lovely to hear that you consider yourself a good person. The question you raise is one that many people have grappled with throughout history. However, in understanding the biblical perspective, we must first look at the fundamental teachings of Christianity.
According to the Bible, humanity's inherent nature is flawed and sinful due to the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). This sin separates us from a holy and perfect God, making it impossible to enter Heaven through our efforts or goodness. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This means that no matter how good we may be, our good deeds are insufficient to save us from our sinful nature.
To bridge this gap, God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Jesus' death and resurrection on the cross allow us to be reconciled with God. John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Accepting Jesus is about acknowledging our need for a Savior and trusting Him as the only means of salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "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." By accepting Jesus, we are forgiven of our sins and granted the gift of eternal life in Heaven.
In conclusion, while striving to be a good person is commendable, the Bible teaches that our goodness is insufficient to gain entry into Heaven. Accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior is the only way to be reconciled with God and receive the gift of eternal life.
This is not a negation of the good deeds one has done but rather an acknowledgment that we need God's grace and mercy to enter His presence truly.
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