by Joelle Synclair

Created on: September 30, 2008

When one seeks a biblical truth it is only logical he find his answer in the Bible. He needs to suspend his own thoughts, feelings and baggage and read what scripture clearly states about his concern. He needs to accept that his way of thinking no matter how far back he inherited it can be wrong. At that point he is ready to ask a question and find an answer.

Let's assume the man asking if being good is enough is a Christian seeking this answer from God. So we need to answer first what is enough? Good enough to become a Christan? Good enough to get to Heaven? Thankfully both of these questions can be answered simply and clearly by reading and understanding scripture.

In Ephesians chapter 2 verses 8-10, we can begin to understand that there is no such thing as "good enough."

(8)"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." -KJV

These verses speak to the question of being a Christian and salvation. Verse 8 emphasizes the point that grace is favor toward the undeserving. Saving faith is the response to grace, one's belief that Jesus Christ alone can be trusted with his salvation. No part of salvation is based on a human action but brought about by the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins. God granted us grace through the faith we display by professing our belief that Christ died and rose again to take our sins away. We cannot buy a ticket to heaven but we can be gifted one by God.

Verse 9 clearly states that our works or deeds have nothing to do with the state of our eternity. Works would cause a man to be prideful over his place in heaven. If a man could earn his way to heaven he could then boast or brag about his worth. This contradicts with grace which is unmerited favor that God has toward man.

Verse 10 explains in the simple word "for" that man cannot obtain salvation through good works. Workmanship refers to our spritiual existence and not a physical one. Therefore, our goodness is attributed to God and not ourselves. Our spiritual life allows us to do good works our good works do not give us a spiritual existence or a new life in Christ.

So the answer is that good behavior has nothing to do with our salvation. Salvation is a gift from God that can only be received through our faith in God's grace which was expressed in the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ. We do not have to draw tally marks for every good deed and hope in the end it will be enough. We can know that our salvation is eternally secure by faith in the Christ's death and resurrection.

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