It is appointed unto all men once to die, then to face judgment by God (Hebrews 9:27). How will we fare on that day of judgment?
The Bible explains that since we are all descendants of the first man Adam, we are all cursed with sin, death, and a shortcoming when it comes to righteousness (Romans 3:9-11, 5:12). As a result, God in his justice can not let any person tainted with unrighteousness into his perfect and eternal home. All unrighteousness is worthy of eternal condemnation in the lake of fire (Rev 21:8).
The best way to discover whether you are good enough to go to heaven is to examine how you compare to God’s standard of righteousness – the divine law. Used properly, the Bible says that the law will revive any sin found in your nature and will indicate if you are qualified for heaven.
Let’s find out how you measure up to the law.
“Thou shalt not bear false witness” – Exodus 20:16
Have you ever told a lie? If so, even a small one a long time ago, then that makes you a liar and in danger of the lake of fire (Rev 21:8). One of the things God hates is a lying tongue (Proverbs 6:16-17).
“Thou shalt not steal.” – Exodus 20:15
Have you ever stolen anything? If so, even something small a long time ago, then that makes you a thief and puts you out of the running for entering the Kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:10).
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” – Exodus 20:14
“I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” – Matthew 5:28
Have you ever looked upon a person with lust? If so, even a fleeting thought, then Jesus says you have committed adultery in your heart (Matt 5:28). The only difference between the internal desire and the action is a given opportunity.
“Thou shalt not covet…” – Exodus 20:17
Have you ever desired the possessions of someone else? If you have, then this shows the evil condition of your heart wishing to follow after its lustful desires (Eph 2:1-3).
Punishment for Breaking God’s law
These are just a few of God’s laws that are written on the conscious of man, but which we continually break. The Bible says that ‘For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all’ (James 2:10).
Criminals against God will have to face an eternal life sentence in anguish and torment in hell as the recipient of God’s just wrath against evil and wickedness.
Our own unrighteousness before God is revealed through looking at God’s law. The Bible tells us that the wrath of God is now revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men (Romans 1:18). There are none of us that measure up to God’s standard of righteousness, not one (Romans 3:9-11). As a result, we are all condemned because of our sin, and must accept the consequences.
“For the wages of sin is death…”- Romans 6:23
“…Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” – 2 Thess 1:9
“…Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” – Mark 9:44
It is through realizing our depraved condition before God that we see our need for salvation from this judgment. We do not need salvation from tornadoes, thieves, murderers, or poverty as much as we need salvation from a more eternal condition – sin, death, and the judgment of God against sin.
Topical Index Page Published: Sunday, September 20th, 2009
Last Modified: May 31, 2016