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Good Enough for God?

good enough for god DLee Page 1Good Enough for God? By Rev. Dennis Lee, Pastor of Bethel PRC, Roselle, IL

Am I good enough for God?

That is a weighty question, a timeless question that has been asked of and faced by mankind over the ages.

Nevertheless, the question is an uncomfortable one because it requires that I see and judge myself – not from my point of view, but God's point of view. And yet, human nature only wants to see it from my point of view. On the occasion of death and at funeral visitations and services, often you will hear the remark being made about the deceased, that “He (or she) was a good person.” Do you then look at that deceased individual and weigh yourself against them? Do you then ask yourself “How do I compare to that person?” Do you find yourself saying that “If they were considered a ‘good’ person then I must be as well?”

Take a moment to truly think of what was just said and look deep down inside yourself and ask “Were those questions properly treated from God’s point of view?”

Does God think I am good enough?

God has answered that question clearly. He has spoken plainly in the Bible (Romans 3:10-12) that there is none righteous, no not one! None good! None righteous! None that does any good by God's perfect and penetrating evaluation!

The Bible, which is God's Word, tells me that there is nothing good or righteous in me. In fact, it even tells me what God thinks of what I consider to be my good works, even my best works. God's Word in Isaiah 64:6 says that even our best works are as “filthy rags”, that is, they are like a soiled, dirty piece of cloth! Our “iniquities” have led us away from God!

That word “iniquities” refers to sin – which is the root problem of our misery. So, sin needs to be addressed because what sin earns and obtains for us is only death! Spiritual death! Physical death! Everlasting death in the grave and hell! (Romans 6:23)

Can I be saved from sin and death?

God's Word also answers that question clearly. And there is hope. There is hope because there is salvation from sin and death! The same prophet, Isaiah, who declared that even our best works are as filthy rags, also wrote to tell God's people in Isaiah 53:5-6: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

And whom does the prophet write of, who was wounded for our transgressions and sins, and on whom the sins of His people have been laid on? The answer may be found in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

That word “gift” tells you that salvation from sin and eternal life are not and cannot in any way be earned by you and any works you perform, but are freely given by God through Jesus Christ to unworthy sinners!

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who suffered, once and for all, the just punishment of God for all the sins of His people, whom He dearly loves and calls His sheep (John 10:11). He loves them and calls them His sheep despite the fact that they were ones who hated Him. He gave His life on the Cross as a payment for all the sins of His people.

That perfect righteousness which He obtained for us on the Cross then needs to be accounted to us by God through His gift of faith in order for us to be declared righteous. Perfectly righteous! Perfectly righteous by faith alone in Christ alone!

Do you believe that? Do you trust in the perfect work of Jesus on the Cross? By God’s grace, repent and believe in Jesus, and you will be saved!

Last modified on 13 April 2015
Lee, Dennis

Rev. Dennis Lee (Wife: Foong Ling)

Ordained: April 2006

Pastorates: Edgerton, MN - 2006; Bethel, Roselle, IL - July 2010; Kalamazoo PRC - Nov.2021

Website: https://www.kalamazooprc.org/

Contact Details

  • Address
    2034 Skyline Drive
  • City
    Kalamazoo
  • State or Province
    MI
  • Zip Code
    49006
  • Country
    United States
  • Telephone
    (269) 743-7595