Written by Janna Shick
In a world that seems to be quickly decaying, how wonderful it is to encounter men and women with a moral compass. Individuals who handle themselves with integrity, who are honest in their business affairs; responsible adults that work diligently for their income, who uphold the nuclear family unit and are happy to lend a helping hand in the community.
Although these qualities are such a “breath of fresh air” in the polluted society in which we live, does it merit favor from God? Will good morals alone give an individual eternal life or does God expect something more? Many years ago, Jesus was asked a similar question: “…what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” His response was simple: “…keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19:18-22)
The prevailing impression of our day seems to be that Heaven is reserved for upright people and only a few really wicked people will be sent to Hell. Dear one, that opinion is not accurate. Sin is the determining factor of one’s eternal destiny, nothing else. God looks upon humanity and sees the condition of their hearts, whether it is pure and sinless. He is not concerned with hours of community service or the hundreds of dollars that are donated to just causes. It pleases God to see men and women living holy, just as He is holy.
A pure heart does not evolve from good deeds but it must be cleansed from sin by the precious blood of Jesus, thus the reason for His sacrifice on the cross. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Remarkable compassion and unmerited favor from God is the only thing that will deliver a soul from sin’s defilement. Virtuous behavior and charitable causes will not erase the stain of sin, nor will church attendance, volunteerism or kind deeds- only the blood of Jesus. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…” Titus 4:5
