Do You Think You're A Good Person?

Most people do. However, most of us differ as to the definition of "good." The Bible says that God is Good, and the Ten Commandments are His standard of goodness. So based on that, let's take the test.

1. You shall have no other gods before Me. Have you always loved God above all else? Above your family, friends, career, possessions, etc.?

2. You shall not make for yourself an idol. Have you ever created a god in your own mind that you're more comfortable with? Meaning, have you ever said something like, "I don't believe God would ever send someone to hell"? By believing something about God that is not consistent with what the Bible says you have created an idol, a god after your own image.

3. You shall not take God's name in vain. Have you ever used God's holy name as a curse word?

4. Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. Have you ever ignored God's command to take one day of rest every week to reflect on His holiness and goodness and the blessings He has provided you?

5. Honor your father and your mother. Have you always held your parents in proper esteem regardless of if they have always done good.

6. You shall not murder. Before you are too quick to answer this one, understand that God considers the sin of hating someone as if you were murdering them in your heart.

7. You shall not commit adultery. Again, do not be too quick here. Jesus said whoever looks upon another person with lust has committed adultery with them in their heart.

8. You shall not steal. Have you ever stolen anything; a pen from the office, a stick of chewing gum, etc.? The value of the item is irrelevant.

9. You shall not lie. Have you ever lied even once; including answering the previous questions?

10. You shall not covet. Have you ever jealously desired something that belongs to another?

The Bible is clear that God will punish all murderers, adulterers, thieves, liars, etc. He will even judge our words and our thoughts! By this standard, on the Day of Judgment, will you be found guilty or innocent of breaking His Ten Commandments? Say it out loud to yourself; innocent or guilty?

Perhaps you may be thinking that God is indeed good, and thus He will overlook your sins. But it is actually His goodness that will ensure that all murderers, thieves, liars, adulterers, etc., receive justice. He would be a corrupt Judge if He turned a blind eye to sin.

So again I ask, according to God's standard are you innocent or guilty?

And based on your answer, would you go to heaven or hell when you die?

God's Law demands justice, and the penalty for even one sin is death and an eternity in hell. If you have been guilty of even one infraction of the Ten Commandments your destiny is hell. Does this reality concern you?

If so, listen carefully if you want to live, and spend eternity in heaven.

God made a way for you to have the penalty for your sins paid in full - a penalty that must be paid. We broke the Law but He became a man in the person of Jesus Christ to pay your fine. Jesus suffered and died on the cross to satisfy the requirements of the Law. Then He rose from the dead, defeating death forever. Therefore God can forgive us and grant us eternal life!

Your part in this amazing transaction is to humble yourself, repent of your sins, and trust in Jesus Christ. Humbling yourself means admitting that you have violated God's Law and you deserve the just punishment. Repenting of your sins means to completely turn away from them, once and for all, and instead be obedient to what the Bible says. Trusting in Jesus Christ means to confess and appropriate Him as the Lord and Master of your life and believe that He was raised from the dead.

The Bible says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Bible also says, "That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation" (Romans 10:9-10).

Put your trust in Jesus, read your Bible every day, and do what it says. Your obedience to God is the proof of your love to Him, and the proof of your eternal salvation.

It is best to pray from your own heart when placing your trust in Jesus, but the following may be of help to guide you in some of the things you may want to include:

"Dear God, today I turn away from all of my sins (name them). Today I put my trust in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me, change my heart, change my sinful ways, and grant me Your gift of eternal life. In Jesus' name I pray, amen."

If you need someone to talk to regarding what you have just read, please call us at 719-836-2921, or send an email to Pastor Al at pastoral@gracesp.org. If you have need of a Bible, we would be glad to provide one for you.

God bless you and your life!