There are countless people who believe because they’ve been good people they don’t need Jesus. The good news sounds like something for people who have done really bad things in life and need forgiveness. I heard of a family that thought going to church on Christmas and Easter was enough. They lived good lives and were very nice people. But even this family is in need of Jesus Christ in their lives. Good works and church-going aren’t tickets to heaven.

The Bible says in Ephesians 2, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.” Many times when reaching our world we encounter people who believe they don’t need Jesus because they are good people. Sometimes I like to ask them if they’ve ever told a little white lie. Other times I try to explain that it’s not being good or bad, it’s about believing Jesus died for you and rose from the dead.

Many people have difficulty grasping the concept that Jesus offers salvation as a free gift. Being a follower of Christ isn’t about having good works to outweigh the bad ones. Rather it’s a relationship with the Son of God that comes when you repent and believe in Him. This is the Good News that you can share with a friend today.

This is Luis Palau.