Never good enough for God

⁸ Because it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith; not by anything of your own, but by a gift from God;⁹ not by anything that you have done, so that nobody can claim the credit. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NJB)

One of the important things that is made evident by the above cited text is that ones salvation is not dependent on ones works or how he/she live their lives here on earth. But rather, that salvation itself is a gift from God. Basically, based on this teaching nothing that you do in this world will ever make you good enough for God. You can be the nicest and most loving human being on the planet, but if you don't have faith you are doomed! A lot of people who don't bother to read the bible but profess to believe in God have come to the conclusion that we are all God's children, that if they just live a decent life that they are guaranteed their spot in heaven. Nothing could be further from the fictional truth of what the bible actually teaches!

If we are to take the bible at its word then there is not one person on the face of this earth is ever going to be good enough. In reference to the Hebrew law and justification by faith we are told that:

24 and all are justified by the free gift of his grace through being set free in Christ Jesus. 25 God appointed him as a sacrifice for reconciliation, through faith, by the shedding of his blood, and so showed his justness; first for the past, when sins went unpunished because he held his hand; 26 and now again for the present age, to show how he is just and justifies everyone who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:24-26 (NJB) This text answers several questions; verse 24 reiterates the fact that all are saved through God's grace and verse 25 assures that Christ's alleged sacrifice is for all times including those that died before from the beginnings of man and under the law, and finally verse 26 states that it is for the present and obviously for future generations. Although it appears that they did not believe that there were going to be any future generations since certain scripture texts make it quite clear that the first century apostles and believers expected the return of Christ in their generation. James chapter 2 brings in some other elements into play regarding faith in conjunction with works.  19 You believe in the one God -- that is creditable enough, but even the demons have the same belief, and they tremble with fear. 20 Fool! Would you not like to know that faith without deeds is useless? James 2:19-20 (NJB) As you an see, good deeds should be the results of your faith. In other parts of the bible it states that as a believer you must bear fruit. It's one thing to tell someone you love them and its entirely another for you to show them that you love them by your acts towards them. So despite what some misinformed believers claim faith without works is useless! The bible compares those believers to cymbals that make no sound or sowers that plant their seeds on rocks where they just wither and die. Although it is obvious that you are not saved by good deeds they are part of the package of one who professes faith in Christ. I could cite scripture and go on and on about this but I think this little crash course should suffice. But here is the kicker oh good and faithful Christian! 4 Thus he chose us in Christ before the world was made to be holy and faultless before him in love, 5 marking us out for himself beforehand, to be adopted sons, through Jesus Christ. Such was his purpose and good pleasure, Ephesians 1:4-5 (NJB) In this discourse to the Church of Ephesus Paul informs the church that they were chosen by God before the world was made! To keep this in context he is specifically referring to the gentiles and how they have become heirs to salvation through Christ.  This is one of several texts used to preach the doctrine of predestination, and if this is true no one really knows who will actually be "saved." In fact the bible states clearly that many are called but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14). And Jesus himself is quoted as saying 20 I repeat, you will be able to tell them by their fruits. 21 'It is not anyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," who will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven. Matthew 7:20-21 (NJB) So in conclusion, if you are one of those believers who live life as he/she pleases committing so called little insignificant sins such as lying and cheating etc. It might not matter that you go to church once or several times a week and quiver and quake under the power of the holy Spirit. You might just be as hell bound as I am. And if we are to take the predestination doctrine seriously even if you are living a good life according to your own standards and kissing God's ass endlessly it might not matter either. You might just be as hell bound as I am, but there is some good news after all! It's all a myth, and hell does not exist. Ah the great pleasure of living in reality and not being bound to silly ancient superstitions!