You Can't Be Good Enough

"Be good and you'll go to heaven",
So many people say;
But according to the Bible,
That's actually not the way.

For in truth you are a sinner,
And you can't be good enough.
A true record of your failures,
Will surely call your bluff.

The good, the best that you can do,
Is tainted by your sin.
That's why the Lord himself has said,
"You must be born again."

Perfection is the only way,
That heaven can be earned.
"Pretty good" or "better than most,"
Must surely be unlearned.

But if you could live perfect now:
From this point, from this stage;
What would you do with your old sins,
To void them with their wage?

But if you're convinced you're helpless,
There is good news indeed.
Salvation comes as a free gift,
To those who are in need.

For Jesus led a perfect life,
Then died upon the tree,
That all who now trust Him alone,
Are from sin's wage set free.

Christ merit is the only way,
Trust him and you'll be saved.
His finished work, the only hope,
For those who've misbehaved.

This poem was a finalist in the November 2020 poetry contest