There once was a man who thought he was a good person.  He did not give much thought about God or His law.  “I believe in God and that’s good enough” was his attitude.  But then one day he ran into a person sharing his faith on the street.  Their conversation went something like this.

 “Sir!  Can I talk to you for a moment?” the Christian man asked?

            “Why sure young man.”

            “Can you tell me sir, if you were to die today, would you go to heaven?”

            “I certainly would!  I’ve been a good person all my life.”

            “So you’re a Christian?”

            “Well, you know religion is good in moderation I always say.”

            “So you do believe in God but don’t think you have to serve Him?” was the Christian man’s next question.

            “Well, I believe we’re put on this earth to be as kind as we can be.  I’m doing the best I can” came the man’s retort.

            “Let me ask you then, do you think that God will judge us?”

            “Sure He will!”

            “And by what standard do you think He will judge us?”

            “Well………”

            “Would you say that the 10 commandments are probably a good judge?”

            “Yes!  Yes I would!  That would seem like a fair judge” replied the man sure of his own  goodness.

            “So let me ask you something.  Have you ever told a lie?”

            “Well, you don’t get by in life without stretching the truth every now and then” the man admitted.

            “So what does that make you?” asked the Christian.

            “I guess a liar.”

            “So let me ask you another question.  Have you ever stolen anything no matter how small?  Even time from your employer, have you ever knowingly loafed and stole time from your boss?”

            “Now look here young man!  EVERYONE loafs now and then!  But if you say so, ok, I’ve stolen from my boss before.”

            “What does that make you?”

            “I guess a thief” answered the man now feeling very uneasy.

            “If I can be so bold, can I ask you yet another question?”

            “Why not?  You’re on a roll!” said the man obviously becoming frustrated.

            “Have you ever lusted after a woman besides your wife?  Jesus said if you have you’ve committed adultery in your heart.”

            “Come on!  I’m only human!  Yes!  I guess I’ve looked a pretty woman and felt lust in my heart!”

            “So by your own admission, you’re a lying, thieving, adulterer.  Still confident in your goodness?”

            “No” the man said looking at the ground.

            “So do you think if you were judged by those standards you’d today go to heaven?”

            “No…..” the man said now with a tear in his eye.

            “The Bible says that all of us have sinned and come short of what God expects (Romans 3:23).  But God sent His only son to pay the price for that sin so that we can be forgiven (John 3:16).  Sir, you stand condemned by your own words.  But Jesus Christ died to forgive you of all your sins.  And according to 1 John 1:9 he will forgive us if we’ll just ask him to.  Would you like that opportunity?”

            “Yes, I would” said the man through bitter tears.

            “Then say this simple prayer after me…

Dear Jesus, I am a sinner who has missed the mark in my life.  Please forgive me for all the sins I have ever committed.  Come into my life as my Lord and Savior and help me to live for you.  I have confessed my sins to you and know that now I am forgiven.  Thank you Lord Jesus for dying for me.  I accept you today and forever as Lord of my life.  Amen.”

“Thank you young man” the man, now a Christian, said to the witness.

“For what?  I was just doing what someone else did for me!”

“For taking the time to share that with me.”

 This story is just an illustration.  But if you are like that man and think you’ll make it to heaven because “you’re a good person” then you have to ask yourself the same questions that this witness asked this man.  If you find yourself lacking by God’s standards then we’d like to invite you to pray the prayer that this man prayed.  And if you do, you will INSTANTLY be forgiven everything you’ve ever done.  And Jesus Christ will come in and begin changing your life! 

But you need to do one thing more.  If you know of a church in your area you are comfortable calling, call that Pastor and let him know about the decision you've made.  He or She will help you with the next step in following Jesus.  If not,  just write to Living Proof and let us know and we'll HELP you find a Pastor to help you.  Email us at prayer@livingproofquartet.org.