Can I Earn Righteousness?

Scripture:
Romans 3:21-26 (NIV)

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.  This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Devotional:

One of my brothers has the false belief that as long as he is a good enough person he will go into heaven.  He doesn’t “buy” into all this church stuff or Christianity.  Over the years I have spoken with people who have similar beliefs.  There was a woman I use to know that didn’t accept most of the New Testament.  She felt that beyond the gospels it didn’t really matter.  Another person believes the bible is just stories written or compiled by so called religious leaders.  They put together the stories they wanted to promote their agenda and gain power.  

There are many theories and thoughts on God, Christ, and the Bible.  There are two sides to every story.  When two people have an argument or disagreement each has their own point of view.  Sometimes each side is totally different from the other side.  People like to skew the truth.  One popular philosophy deals with differing truth.  I have what is true for me; you have what is true for you.  There becomes my truth, your truth.  It reminds me of the he said, she said syndrome. 

Sadly there is only one truth.  What is true for me is also true for you.  If you look at a mountain range you can call it what you want.  It doesn’t change the fact that it is a mountain range.  When it comes to heaven there is only one truth.  Christ is the way, the truth, and the light of this world.  We are made righteous through His atoning sacrifice upon the cross.  It is that simple, period, end of discussion.  The only way into heaven is through faith in Christ.  John 3:16 (NASB), “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”  No matter how you want to put it, that is the simple truth.