My Answer By Billy Graham

Dear Dr. Graham:   When I was growing up I was taught that if I just obeyed the Ten Commandments and lived a good life then I'd go to Heaven when I die. But you said in one of your columns that isn't true. Could you explain this?  I certainly don't want to be wrong. R.R.

Dear R.R.: I'm thankful for your concern, because nothing is more important than being sure of our eternal salvation. This life lasts only a few short decades, but eternity is forever!

Only one thing will keep you out of Heaven and that is your sin. But listen: How many sins would it take to keep you out of Heaven? The answer may surprise you: only one. The reason is because God is absolutely pure and holy, and even one sin is an offense to Him. As the Bible says of God, "Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong"  (Habakkuk 1:13).  The Bible also says we are all sinners, for "There is no one righteous,  not even one ... for all have sinned and fall  short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:10,23). In other words, no matter  how good we are we'll never be good enough to enter Heaven. God's standard is perfection. Does that mean we can never be saved? No -- and the reason is because Jesus Christ came into the world to take away our sins through His death on the cross. You see, on the cross all of our sins were transferred to Christ, and He took the punishment we deserve. He died in our place. Don't trust in your own good deeds to save you, for they never can. Instead, by faith turn to Christ and  trust Him alone to save you -- and He will.