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QUESTION 105
If I try to be good and yet fail, will God forgive me?

ANSWER:
God does not forgive anybody on the basis of trying to be good. It is commonly believed that salvation is a process where one becomes better in order to be forgiven and acceptable to God. This is not so. Salvation is not a work we do for God or for ourselves, but a work that God has done for us.

When you are trying you are not trusting. These two things are not compatible. God says, "...without shedding of blood there is no remission (forgiveness)." Hebrews 9:22. God cannot forgive the sins that has not been dealt with by His just judgment. These were only dealt with at the cross.

The way to get God's forgiveness is: "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." Acts 10:43. "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." Acts 13:38-39. When you "believe," this is compatible with "trusting," but not with trying.

Dear reader, have you sincerely believed in the Son of God who gave Himself for "sinners." Take your place as such and know the joy of forgiveness.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen