The human standard for "goodness" does not appear on the radar screen compared to the Holiness of God. While you may be a good person -- I'm sure you are! -- God's standard is absolute perfection, something no one is able to reach. There is no activity, no way of life or lifestyle, no deed, no abstention, that you can do that is able to put you into a right relationship with God. Paul writes, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, NIV). Grace is often referred to as "unmerited favor." It is the gift from God -- Christ's atoning sacrifice -- that allows you to be reconciled to Him now and for eternity. Basically, God provided the means by which you can be with Him again. Ephesians 2:8-9 gives an explanation of this: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast." (NIV) |
