I'm a Good Person, Why Do I Need a Savior?

Does this mean you’re good as compared to an axe murderer, or that you don’t take paper clips or pens from your place of employment, or that you’ve never held onto angry feelings towards another, or broken the speed limit?  The definition of “good” is a relevant term apart from the Bible where God’s absolute standards are defined.  Therein is the dilemma. In order for us to see our standard as lacking we must be willing to consider there is a higher standard, a perfect standard, God’s standard.

With this consideration in mind, the Bible says that no one is righteous, no one is truly wise, and no one is a good person. God initially gave man ten simple laws (Ten Commandments) to follow, but he couldn’t follow them, and we’re no different.  You see, when Jesus taught, he elaborated on those commandments by saying, the law is broken even when it’s still in thought form.  For example Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28). This principle applies to each of the commandments.  No one can ever be made right with God by doing good, keeping the law, or by following any other religious rules.  It’s just not good enough. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. But God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are (Romans 3:9-31).

Jesus Christ was the only one “good enough” to sacrifice his life for our sins.  When we accept by faith that he did that for us, he becomes our Savior. We are then “good enough” to stand in the presence of God—forever.