Cultural Research Center: Most self-identified Christians think doing 'good things' is enough to get to Heaven

“A majority (53%) of self-identified Christians agree that ‘A person who is generally good, or does enough good things for others, will earn a place in Heaven.’ A majority of Catholics (73%) believe that doing ‘good things’ is enough to secure a place in Heaven. Less than half of Evangelicals (43%)… said the same.” - CPost

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Discussion

I regularly ask people the question, "what would you say if you were asked why you should be allowed into heaven?" It leads to some great conversations and some wonderful witnessing opportunities. The two most common answers I get are, "I have done good things," and "I don't know." Both these answers give me a chance to follow up with all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and the wages of sin is death. Therefore, none of us are good enough nor can we do enough good. But Jesus loved us so much that he gave his life on the cross to pay for our sins so if we trust and follow him we can have eternal life. Then quote John 3:16 which most people are already familiar with. Most people thank me for sharing that. I often hand then a Bridge to Eternal Life tract after the brief gospel presentation.

I have also met some fellow Christians by asking that question. I just ran into a such a friend again the other day. He asked me another question about the Bible because he already knew I too was a Christian. My question about heaven opens the door, not just to disciple unsaved people, but to continue to disciple those who have already trusted Jesus.