Am I a Good Person?

If you ask most people if they consider themselves good, they will likely say “yes.” Many compare themselves to others, thinking, “I’m not as bad as that person,” while others create their own definition of goodness— “I haven’t murdered anyone, and I try to treat people well, so I must be good.”

But is comparing ourselves to others or relying on personal morality the right standard? The Bible says everyone has their own sense of morality (Proverbs 21:2), so how can we truly determine what it means to be good? We must use a higher standard—God’s standard.

God’s standard of goodness is found in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). In fact, the Ten Commandments make up the foundation of our own civil law. So, let’s look at a few of them to see how we measure up:

 

Have you ever told a lie?
Even a small one? If so, that makes you a liar (Exodus 20:16, Proverbs 12:22).

 

Have you ever stolen anything, regardless of its value?
If so, that makes you a thief (Exodus 20:15).

 

Have you ever used God’s name in vain—as a curse word?
That’s called blasphemy, and it’s a serious offense in God’s eyes (Exodus 20:7).

 

Have you ever committed adultery? (Exodus 20:14)?
Did you know that Jesus said that if you even look at someone with lust, you’ve already committed adultery in your heart (Matthew 5:28). Have you ever done that?

 

If you’re honest, you’ve just admitted that you’re a lying, thieving, blasphemous adulterer at heart. That’s only four of the Ten Commandments—how would you do on the rest?

The Bible tells us that God is holy and just, and as a result, He must punish sin. If you were to stand before God on Judgment Day, would you be innocent or guilty? If you’re honest with yourself, you’d be guilty. The truth is, by God’s standard, we are all guilty (Romans 3:23). Just like how criminals in our civil society are sent to jail for breaking the law, God also sends those who are guilty to a type of jail—eternal separation from God in a place called the Lake of Fire. (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:11-15).

But what if you’ve only told a few lies or stolen something small? Surely God would not send someone to the Lake of Fire for a few tiny sins, right? Imagine you are hanging over a deep chasm by a chain with ten links. If you were to break any one of those links the result would be the same— you would fall to your death. The same is with God’s law. If you break one commandment, even one time, it is the same consequence as if you broke them all many times (James 2:10).

But how could a loving God send people to the lake of fire? God is loving, but He is also just and good. Think about a human judge— if someone commits a serious crime, would a judge be considered good if he was to let that person go without punishment? Of course not! A judge that doesn’t carry out punishment for breaking the law is a bad judge! In the same way, God, as the perfect Judge, must ensure justice is served. Because He is Holy, He cannot ignore or overlook sin. His justice demands that sin be punished (Nahum 1:3).

But here’s the incredible news: God, in His love, made a way for us to be saved from God’s judgment and eternal punishment. Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, lived a perfect life—without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Then, He took the punishment we deserved by dying on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). Three days later, He rose from the grave, conquering death and proving that His sacrifice was sufficient to pay for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Imagine standing in a courtroom, guilty of a crime. As punishment, the judge orders you to pay a very large fine. You explain that you don’t have enough money and that the price is too high. The judge explains that because you cannot pay the fine, you will be sent to jail for the rest of your life. Just as you are being taken away in handcuffs, someone steps in and pays your fine for you on your behalf. The judge then orders the handcuffs off and pronounces you free because your fine has been paid. Justice has been satisfied. That’s what Jesus did for us! He paid our fine by dying in our place on the cross so that we could be set free (2 Corinthians 5:21) and not have to spend eternity in the Lake of Fire!

God wants all people everywhere to repent (turn away from sin) and put their trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation (Acts 17:30). Salvation comes though God’s grace though faith or trust in Jesus alone, not from anything we can do ourselves. (Ephesians 2:8-9).

So, are you a good person? If you’ve honestly examined yourself, you know that by God’s standard, you’re not and your eternal soul is in danger. But the good news is that Jesus came to save sinners (Luke 19:10)! Today, repent and trust in Christ alone. Don’t put it off—none of us are promised tomorrow (James 4:14).

Seek God while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6), and experience the forgiveness, peace, and eternal life that only He can give.

Perhaps you are feeling convicted right now. Maybe you recognize your need for a Savior but aren’t sure what to do next. The Bible tells us that God is near to those who call on Him in truth (Psalm 145:18). He is not far away, and He desires a relationship with you (John 3:16).

If you are ready to surrender to Christ, cry out to Him in prayer (Romans 10:9-10). There are no magic words, no special ceremony, no secret formulas. Simply confess your sins to Him, acknowledge your need for His grace and forgiveness, and put your faith in Jesus alone. This isn’t about religion or good works—it’s about placing your trust in the only One who can save you (John 14:6).

Time is short, and eternity is real. Don’t delay. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Turn to Jesus, and He will transform your life forever.

If you have asked God to save you and you have put your faith and trust in Him, you are what the Bible calls Born Again (John 3:3) and are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The next step would be to pick up a Bible. We suggest starting in the Gospel of John. Additionally, we would love for you to contact us so we may help you get connected to a Bible believing church in your area.