I am someone who observes others a lot. Not really seeing a person with my eyes (because I'm visually impaired), but more of observing people's words and actions. A few weeks ago, I heard a woman say this when asked if she believed in the afterlife:

"I think I've done more good than bad in my life. Hopefully they'll let me in." (speaking of heaven)

This was one of those situations where I could not respond, due to the circumstance, but I was not shocked to hear this reply. People who just know about God and what they hope will happen when they die often think that the good things they do in life will score them enough points to get a ticket into heaven. My question is, if being more good than bad gets us eternal life with God, WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO SUFFER THE DEATH OF THE CROSS?

Then how are we saved? Check this out:

Ephesians 2:8-9

[For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast.]
All the good works in the world could never be enough to pay sin's debt. So we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. So we say a prayer and that's it? We're now saved through faith, so now we can go out and live however we please, right? Check out this scripture:

James 2:17

[Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone]

Hold on, isn't that a contradiction? No.

We do not do good works TO BE saved, we do good works BECAUSE we are saved. When you have a relationship with Christ, your life will change. Having faith in Jesus does not give us a license to sin. The good works are a response to our faith. Faith and works do not conflict with each other; quite the opposite. They work hand-in-hand.

My advice is to put your faith in Jesus Christ, then do right and risk the consequences.

Til next time, take care and God bless!