There's been a lot of talk about heaven lately. From TV stars to politicians, everyone seems to have their own view on how to enter the Pearly Gates.
I've heard so many people say that if we are "good enough" we'll go to heaven when we die.
President Trump even weighed in with his philosophy regarding the afterlife, stating that people want to be good because "you wanna prove to God you're good so you go to that next step."
Trump first suggested his efforts to broker peace might help him get into heaven. He said, "I want to try and get to heaven, if possible... If I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons." He later expressed doubts about his prospects, saying, "I don't think there's anything that's going to get me into heaven. I think I'm not maybe heaven-bound."
A lot of people think it's a balancing act. They think if we do more good things than bad we will get into heaven.
The truth is no one is "good enough" to get to heaven on their own merits. So how do you get to heaven? It is only by God's grace. Here's a brief outline on Grace vs. Works:
1. What Is Grace?
Grace is God’s undeserved favor — His free gift of salvation.
We are saved because of who God is, not because of what we do.
Romans 3:23–24 – “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace.”
2. Salvation Is a Gift, Not a Reward
Ephesians 2:8–9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... it is the gift of God—not by works.”
Salvation cannot be earned by good deeds, moral behavior or religious rituals.
Grace and works are opposites — if we could earn salvation, it wouldn’t be grace. (Romans 11:6)
3. Why Works Cannot Save
No one can meet God’s perfect standard on their own.
Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.”
Christ’s sacrifice on the cross fully paid for our sins — nothing can be added to His finished work.
4. The Right Place for Good Works
Good works are the result of salvation, not the requirement for it.
James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied
Summary
Saved by Grace Alone: We receive salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Not by Works: Human effort cannot earn eternal life.
For a Purpose: We are saved to live for God and reflect His love to others.
