When we die, we won’t be judged based on how we compare with others—we’ll be held against God’s perfect standard. Jesus said “…whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:” (Matthew 5:22) Whoa! Who hasn’t been angry without cause? He also said “I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28) The impure thoughts in our hearts and minds make us guilty in God’s eyes!
When held against God’s standard, we are all guilty–we’re all coveters, adulterers, and murders. The Bible compares even our righteous deeds to filthy rags.
“We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” Isaiah 64:6 (ESV)
And the Bible warns that all sin will be punished—and the punishment for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23) in a torturous lake of fire (Revelation 21:8, 20:15).
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (ESV)
“And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15 (ESV)
It doesn’t matter how good we think we are–God is the One who will judge us. And by His standards, none of us can be good enough for heaven. (Think you are? Take this test.)