The humility of the Gospel is truly one of the most important distinctions between Christianity and every other religion and worldview.

Without the Gospel

I can clearly recall a conversation I had with a professor while attending Texas A&M. I asked the professor for his general thoughts on religion and if he had any personal, specific convictions or beliefs.

He told me how he believed that religion is fine if that is what helps people become better people. Religion assists humanity in dealing with the way the world is and that it can be both harmful and beneficial.

As far as any personal convictions, he told me that he believes there is likely a higher being and that there is probably an afterlife.
“How could an all-loving being (or God, if you want to use that word) turn away someone from Heaven who has been good to others?”

I asked him what he meant by “good.”

“Well I believe in loving others and treating them as you would want to be treated – The Golden Rule. I think Charity is something that is an absolute good and that if you live a good enough life, then you will be in Heaven if there is such a place.”

And this is a pretty common belief system to hold in today’s world. I’ve had several conversations with friends and strangers alike that have held similar sentiments.

Just be “good enough“.

A question that comes to mind after reflecting on this conversation dozens and dozens of times is this: what is “good enough”?

I’ve never understood the claim that if you’re good enough then you will inherit heaven, because what actually is good enough?

Is it 51% good vs 49% bad? How good is the good? How bad is the bad? Is it just actions? Does your attitude, thoughts, or motivation count towards either?

And a follow-up: how long before “good enough” becomes “better than”?

Regardless, I believe it is human nature to pursue what one believes is righteousness, but without the humility of the Gospel, it is mere self-righteousness. If your standard is “good enough”, then I imagine what you really mean is “better than the general population around me.”

Serious question: can humility ever be born out of this?

Hitching yourself to any standard of the world might allow you to keep the world, but that standard will guarantee you in losing Heaven. Only a heavenly – an other worldly- standard could bring you into reconciliation with the God of the heavens and the earth.

“Good enough” begins with focusing on one’s own morality. “Better than” focuses on others’ sins. But the Gospel focuses on Jesus’ perfection.

With The Gospel

In order to be a Christian you must have humility. It is the chief prerequisite of Christianity 101.

“If you are the problem, then more of you is not going to solve the problem!” Matt Chandler

George Whitfield in the 1700s once said, “Now before you can speak peace to our heart you must not only be troubled for your sins, but you must also be troubled about your best duties and performances.”

What does it mean to be a Christian? It starts with admitting that you are not good enough. Further, it means that you understand that Jesus not only saved you from your worst of sins, but He also saved you from your best of works.

You can run from God by sinning and sinning and sinning – that is apparent to the Christian and the non-Christian. But you can also run from God by trying to earn your salvation and by doing good works apart from the sufficient blood of Christ.

When a Christian messes up, human nature tells us to cover it up or make an excuse. But our new identity can allow us to be honest about what brought us into communion with God, “It is not about how imperfect I am. Only You, God, are perfect. Therefore help me love you, honor you, obey you, trust you, and praise you.”

A Christian is the only person on earth who repents from their own good works. That is because Christianity is the only religion on Earth that has a God blatantly stating, “Your works are like filthy rags. Put them away, repent, believe the Gospel and I will clothe you in MY righteousness.”

A Christian is the only person on Earth who can say with assurance “I am going to Heaven” and not be self-righteous. Every other religion is based on works, accomplishments, goodness – all because of oneself. The Christian’s salvation is achieved through Jesus Christ in spite of oneself.

Humility came down in the person of Jesus Christ. He humbled Himself from a manger in Bethlehem to a cross on Mount Calvary. And only true humility can be brought about in the new identity and life given to us in Christ Jesus.

J. Wilder