Biblical Answer

The Burden of Self-Salvation

The idea that you must be good enough to save your own life is a misconception that can lead to frustration, anxiety, and even despair. This notion is often rooted in a misunderstanding of the Bible's teachings on salvation. In Matthew 18:18, Jesus gives his disciples authority to bind and loose in heaven, but this authority is not a means of self-salvation. Rather, it is a demonstration of the power and authority of Jesus Christ, who has the power to forgive sins and grant eternal life.

The Futility of Self-Rule

The idea that you must be good enough to save your own life is also based on a false assumption that you have the power to save yourself. However, as the Bible teaches, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). This means that no one is good enough to save themselves, regardless of their efforts or accomplishments. In fact, trying to save yourself through good deeds or self-effort is a futile endeavor that can lead to pride and arrogance. As the Bible says, "by works of the law no one will be justified" (Galatians 2:16).

The Gift of Salvation

The good news is that salvation is not based on our own efforts or goodness, but on the gift of Jesus Christ. Through faith in Jesus, we can receive forgiveness for our sins and eternal life. As the Bible says, "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). This means that we don't have to be good enough to save ourselves, because Jesus has already done it for us. All we need to do is trust in him and receive the gift of salvation. As the Bible says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).