What about people who don’t believe in Jesus, but live good lives? Shouldn’t they go to heaven?

Many people who don’t believe live good lives — good lives by worldly standards.  But living a good life will not get anyone into Heaven. Jesus said that the way to enter Heaven is to be perfect (Mat 5:20, 48), not good.  No one can do that.

If it weren’t for Jesus, we would be hopeless.  But Jesus came to save us. He is God and He came to earth and lived a perfect and sinless human life. He then took our sins upon Himself and died. In doing so, He satisfied/paid the penalty for our sin and opened the way to Heaven. The ONLY way anyone gets into Heaven is to trust in Jesus and ask His forgiveness of their sins.  He is faithful to forgive a repentant sinner, to wash them clean, and to give them His righteousness. Then, when they stand before God, they are seen as perfect.

That’s how one gets into Heaven.  And the gift of salvation is available for all people (2 Pet 3:9, 1 Tim 2:4)

If you do not know Jesus, click here.

Articles About Salvation

• How can I convince someone that they have eternal security?
• Does Hebrews 6 Teach Salvation Can Be Lost?
• What is eternal security/assurance of salvation? Can I lose salvation?
• What Happens If I Continue to Sin?
• 1 John 1:9 What is the Christian “Bar of Soap?”
• The Gift of SalvaTION: Justification & Imputation
• What you need to know about Sanctification & Glorification
• What are the Doctrines of Imputed, Infused, and Imparted Righteousness?
•  Did Jesus Really Mean “Be Perfect?” (Matthew 5:48)
• Ways to Glorify God - Bookmark
• How Should I Understand Salvation? In Simple Terms

***For in-depth answers to some of the most challenging Bible questions, Visit

Christian apologists Alex McFarland and Shari Abbott answer some of life's many questions concerning the gospel, faith, and the Bible by sharing Truth for a New Generation and Reasons for Hope found only in Jesus. For more information about apologist, evangelist, author, and religion and culture analyst, Alex McFarland, visit www.alexmcfarland.com. For more information about Shari Abbott, executive director of Reasons for Hope* Jesus, click here.

Truth for a New Generation (TNG) serves nationwide, featuring a multi-year conference tour and student-led club program to equip teenagers, parents, grandparents, and others who lead them to live for God. TNG's mission is to creatively communicate a compelling Christian worldview to the next generation by giving answers to tough questions, based on the truths of Scripture, and to build up the Body of Christ to stand strong and boldly proclaim the gospel in the world. For more information and resources visit www.truthforanewgeneration.com.