Q:
Is it possible to lead a sinless life, if we just try hard enough? I hope so, because I want to please God and go to heaven someday. But I'm not sure I can measure up, at least not right now.
A:
My answer may surprise you (or even shock you), but even if you never committed another sin from this moment on, you still would not be good enough to go to heaven.
In reality, however, it simply wouldn’t be possible for you to live the rest of your life without committing another sin, no matter how hard you tried. The reason is because sin has too strong a grip on us, and even if we think we’ve overcome it, it’s still with us. Even the Apostle Paul admitted, “I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out” (Romans 7:18).
Yes, it might be possible for you to avoid things we usually think of as sins. But what about your inner thoughts and motives? You see, sin isn’t just a matter of the things we do (important as they are). Sin also involves our inner thoughts and motives—even things we aren’t aware of. The Psalmist said, “But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults” (Psalm 19:12).
This is why we need Christ, for only He can forgive us and cleanse us from all our sins. Listen: You don’t have to bear the burden of your sins any longer because on the cross all your sins were transferred to Christ, and He paid the price for your salvation. Why not put your faith and trust in Him today? The Bible says, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).