According to pollster George Gallup, Jr., 4 out of 5 Americans today would consider themselves Christians. But what the polling doesn’t ask is, “What does it take to make someone a real Christian?” I think most people would answer this question differently. And I don’t blame them! With all of the religions and different messaging out there, it’s easy to miss out on the truth.

Sometimes, people think that doing good deeds makes them a Christian. So they go to church and do their best to live a decent life. Other people think they must earn their way into Heaven with good behavior. But the Bible is very clear that neither of these things makes a person a Christian; neither of these things can earn someone salvation. The truth can be found in Romans 10:9 in the Bible which says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

As you hear this message today, let me remind you that what you do cannot earn you a place in Heaven. True Christianity involves a relationship with our Savior – Jesus Christ. Who can you share this message with today?

This is Luis Palau.