Why Do Most People Think God Should Let Them into Heaven?

Why Do Most People Think God Should Let Them into Heaven?

If you asked a random group of people, "Why should God let you into Heaven?", you might be surprised by the answers. Many would say, "Because I'm a good person." Others might add, "I've never done anything really bad," or "I try to help others." It's a common belief - but it's built on a dangerous misunderstanding.

The Bible says in Romans 3:23 (NLT): "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." The key phrase is God's glorious standard. Heaven isn't a reward for doing our best; it's the dwelling place of a perfectly holy God. If we measure ourselves against other people, we might feel pretty good. But when we measure ourselves against the holiness of God, every one of us falls short.

So why do people think they deserve Heaven? Because deep down, we tend to believe the lie that we can earn God's favour. It's the same lie the serpent told Eve in the Garden of Eden: "You can be like God." (Genesis 3:5) We want to believe that our effort, our kindness, or our charity will tip the scales in our favour. But the truth is, sin cannot be cancelled out by good works - it can only be forgiven.

That's why the Gospel is such good news! Romans 6:23 (NLT) reminds us: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." Notice the word gift. Eternal life is not something you earn; it is something you receive.

The only reason God lets anyone into Heaven is because Jesus paid the price for our sins at the cross. Our response is not to try harder but to trust Him completely - to repent, to turn away from sin, and to follow Him as Lord and Saviour.

So, if you were to stand before God today and He asked, "Why should I let you into My Heaven?", your answer cannot be, "Because I was good." The only safe answer is, "Because Jesus died for me, and I have put my trust in Him."

Heaven is not for the perfect - it's for the forgiven.