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[Newbie]

I have a friend that believes that good works is all you need to do to get to heaven. I know this is not true and it says it in the Bible. How do I tell her she is wrong? Show her it in the Bible? I'm not sure what her belief is.

[jimwalton]

You’re right that the Bible is clear that good works don’t get you to heaven. If it’s a person who claims to be a Christian, then you can show them the texts. Eph. 2.8-9 is very clear to that end. If you need more (and sometimes more helps to convince the person it is truly what the Bible teaches), you can go to Isa. 64.6; Rom. 4.1-5, and Romans 11.6. Actually, those are just a few. There are so many I can’t put them all down. Jesus, many times, had harsh words for the Pharisees, because they thought they could earn their way to heaven with good works. The whole book of Galatians (which a person can read in about 15 minutes) is about it. So also Romans 1-8, which a person could read in about 20 minutes. Let the Word of God speak for itself, and let God convince the person of truth.

Since you’re not sure what her belief is, you could also take this route. Since she claims that good works will get her to heaven, ask her if she has ever told a lie. She’ll say yes, because everyone lies sometime or other. Ask her if she ever insulted anyone, or gossiped. She’ll say, Of course. Ask her if she’s ever had a fit of anger.

Then you can show her Rev. 21.8 that says liars won’t go to heaven.
You can show her Romans 1.29 & 32 where it says that gossips deserve death.
You can show her Galatians 5.20-21 where it says that people who have fits of rage will never inherit the kingdom of God.

Then you can say (nicely), “If you’re planning to get to heaven by good works, you’re a goner. Aren’t we glad that the Bible teaches differently?”

Be nice, but somehow you have to get the truth through to her. Do it in love, but be firm.

You know,as far as heaven is concerned, the Bible doesn't make any distinction between good and bad people, or between religious and non-religious. The Bible only makes a separation between those who have the nature of sin and those who have the nature of Jesus. It uses the words "light" and "dark," but it's talking about nature, not behavior. We get to heaven based on our nature, not our works.

Suppose a special sporting event is coming to your town, but for some reason only women will be allowed in (just for the sake of the analogy). OK, so a guy shows up at the gate, because he wants to see the game. They say, "It's only for people who are by nature women." You protest: "But I'm a great guy." So what? The guy's going to say to you, "Buddy, it's Ladies' Night. Beat it." What does it matter if you're good or bad if you only get in if you have a female nature? Dumb example, but I'm trying to explain. It's what NATURE you have—the nature of JESUS—not how good you are.