The Scripture
“as it is written There is no one righteous, not even one. There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away; all alike have become worthless. There is no one who does what is good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave; they deceive with their tongues. Viper’s venom is under their lips. Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and wretchedness are in their paths, and the path of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Rom 3:10-18)
Bad or Good
How many times have you heard the statement “I am a good person.” The Bible clearly says the opposite that none of us are good. We have no righteousness on our own. Now does this mean that people can’t do good deeds. Absolutely not! Many times unbelievers do extraordinary acts of service, love and hospitality to those in need. Unfortunately, good those good deeds do not get us to heaven. Those earthly deeds are not good at all when it is compared to God’s standard of good. We are wicked people who are in desperate need of a Savior.
The Theological Solution
The solution to this problem is to teach, disciple, and preach about God’s Holiness. We believe our works, life and service will get us into heaven. Churches and christians have turned the Bible into a self help book. The Bible is a revealing of who God is and his Holy standard. He makes it clear we will never be able to achieve it so he gives us way out of our sin. That way out is Jesus. The solution to us being bad people, is Jesus.
The Application
It is very difficult for most people to realize that they are not as good as they perceive themselves. However, this happens when people compare themselves to people who are just like them. God has a different standard. First, we must see ourselves as sinners in need of a Savior. Many people believe that if the good outweighs the bad they will go to Heaven. The Bible teaches differently. It says that sin leads to death and that death is earned (Rom 6:23).
I challenge you to examine your heart and see if it meets God’s Holy Standard. If it does not you need a Savior. The Good News is that Jesus has come to be your Savior. No matter what you have done or how you live Christ will forgive you of your sins. You have hope in Christ.
