Do I Have to Be Good Enough?

Mark: Honestly, I don't know if I'm good enough for God. How does anybody even get saved?

Sarah: I wondered the same thing for years. Let me show you something Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans. It's been a lifeline for me.

Scripture: that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Mark: Huh. That sounds almost too simple. Don't I have to clean up my life first?

Sarah: It's simple, but it's real. It's about trusting Jesus as Lord, and believing God raised him from the dead after he died. That's the good news Paul is talking about.

Mark: But I've messed up a lot. Doesn't all of that count against me?

Sarah: Before this, Paul talks about trying to earn it by doing everything right. I've fallen short too. I'm saved by grace through trusting Jesus, not by being good.

Mark: But is that really for everybody? Or just people who've always been around church?

Sarah: A few lines later he says there's no difference between people. The same Lord is rich to everyone who calls on him. That includes you.

Mark: I still have doubts, though. Is it okay to say that out loud?

Sarah: I don't have every answer, but I know this. You can bring your doubts to God honestly. I love you, and I want you there with me.

Sarah: If you're carrying questions today, try telling God, 'I want to know you.' The door is open, no pressure. Follow along, and let's keep talking.