I hadn’t planned on being that intense with her. We were at a coffee shop, and I was loving the conversation with this intelligent, honest, and spiritually curious woman. Eventually I asked her, “If you died today, do you think God would let you into heaven?”

She replied, “I do. I try to be a good person. And I have a pure heart.” After asking a few more clarifying questions, I replied rather bluntly, “According to Jesus, you are in grave spiritual danger.” 

During my Bible college years, my professors reminded me that the teachings of Jesus afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted. That’s a way of saying Christianity confronts people who believe they are good and offers comfort to people who confess they were bad.

Need proof? Read Luke 18:9-14. Notice how Jesus confronted the “good” Pharisee who fasted twice a week and tithed to the church. Notice how Jesus comforted the “bad” tax collector who couldn’t even look up to heaven out of his shame. 

Do you think you’re “good” without God’s grace? You’re not, and a one-minute video of your worst sins posted online (and the comments from other sinners!) would prove it. Do you think you’re so “bad” that God is done with you? Think again. Jesus promised, “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 18:14).

On our own, none of us deserves to be with God in heaven. But through Jesus, any of us can be there. What a comfort!