Every Sunday, many people all over the world sit in church buildings, listen to the Gospel, and then go their own way with a false sense of security. They are quite convinced that if they were to die, they’d go to heaven. To them, it’s quite simple. They think, Heaven is where the good people go, and since I’m good, I’m going there.
Oftentimes, these really are good people by most community standards. In fact, their conduct is often superior to some who have been saved and are committed to Christ. Like the rich young ruler who came to Jesus (Luke 18:18-23), they have kept the commandments as best they know how but fail to recognize how needy they actually are. Their confidence is based on the notion that since God loves everybody, He certainly wouldn’t let any good person go to hell.
The problem really boils down to a misunderstanding of what salvation is all about. Salvation is not some behavior modification program built on self-effort, but rather a transformation of the inner person. When you are saved, you receive a new disposition that the Bible refers to as “born again.” This new birth means Jesus comes into your life to express Himself through you. Yes, it does result in good conduct, but this new behavior comes from the Holy Spirit living within you, not from your determination to improve yourself. Your life will thereafter be based on a moment by moment submission to God’s will, from which you will derive purpose, direction, and meaning – as well as the genuine security only He can give.
