Most people like to think of themselves as good people; and maybe a little better than others. Often, they have seen others doing something that they consider wrong or at least, not right. So, if those other people can do such questionable things when observed, then they probably do even worse things in private. Some people get satisfaction and feel better about themselves when they see others make mistakes or do wrong. They feel superior when they can judge or criticize others. Anyway, most people think of themselves as a little better than the next guy.

However, most people will admit that they have done a few bad things, but so has everyone else, they say. Nevertheless, they have done many good things too. They have helped people out by loaning and giving away money and material things to others in need. They have looked after and provided for their own families. They have done volunteer work. They have even sacrificed something they wanted for the good of someone else. The fact is, they have certainly done many, many more good deeds than bad ones, they say.

Consider the possibility that there is a great heavenly balance to measure good and bad deeds. Most people probably think that their scale would tip toward the generally good side. Over the years, people know that they have accumulated some mistakes; acted out of selfishness; and even did a few really bad things. And maybe they have forgotten a few bad things that they might have done. They have probably forgotten some good things, too. But overall, they do remember many times when they were loving people and did loving things to and for others. Furthermore, they have always heard that loving actions make up for many things not done in love.

We would not be alone in thinking of the time after death as simply an accounting of good verses bad with the margin determining our acceptance into heaven or not. That is often called the Day of Judgment. Most religions of the world have similar views. These claim that there is a God, or heaven, or a universal principle that determines goodness and administers justice.

Again, most people think that their lives in the balance would definitely be heavier on the good side; they claim in self-defense. But really, people must confess that going to heaven is more of a hope than a certainty. No one can know for sure until their time comes, some others may say. For now, most people will just continue being their generally good self, and let that eventuality take care of itself.

That eventuality is that we all will die someday; for some people, sooner than others. However, for a serious thinking person, what comes after death should not be taken lightly. No doubt, there is a fifty-fifty chance that there is some form of judgment after death. We are actually betting our lives on one of two possibilities: either there is a Judgment Day, or there is not. Many don't plan for the worst case, which is, coming up short on that Day and actually being rejected from heaven. Wouldn't it be wise to make some preparation for the worst-case scenario? People often do that sort of thing with automobile, health, or life (physical death) insurance.

This brings up a tragic symptom of the human condition: to overestimate or underestimate the worth, goodness and effects of our thoughts, words, and actions. Concerning bad deeds: we should take into account those deeds where we justify ourselves, where we overlook the long-term effects on others, and where we are ignorant and confused about what is right and wrong. As a result, our "little and few" bad deeds are significantly worse, and probably more than originally thought. Also, don't forget the bad, but hidden thoughts that are only restricted from being acted out by fear or shame of being caught. If those certain consequences were taken out of the way, these merely bad thoughts could easily become actual bad deeds, producing additional heavy "weight" to our already tilted scale.

Along with the tendency to underestimate our personal bad thoughts and actions, we often overestimate the good that we do. If we honestly look at our good deeds, we should subtract those deeds that promote self-interest and pride. Plus, it would be wise not to count those deeds that are clearly neither good or bad, such as normal obligations and everyday responsibilities, yet often claimed as good when needed to "pad the scale." Other deeds might have been done, but without the right attitude. Some good works may just be good intentions that were never started or completed. Now, we are left with a fraction of the good we thought we had! This is even before we have a strict and impartial evaluation of what remains. It seems that the force of our good deeds will be woefully deficient to counterbalance the bad scale. Rather than having a balanced or positive measurement of our lives, the "good" side of the scale is hanging high in the air.

We are undone! What are we to do? According to some major religions of the world, God is merciful and therefore, he will forgive us if we ask him. Yet, it must also be true that God, to really be God, is also just. Being a just God means not only approving what is right, but correspondingly, punishing wrongs. Otherwise, heaven would not be heaven, but rather a confused mixture of good along with the bad, and consequently, without real justice.

Most religions of the past and even some of today agree that the sacrifice of an animal can be a ceremonial requirement, and even a good deed before God. The animal is "innocent" of wrongdoing (called sin) and becomes an example of a human's repentance toward God. The animal is presented as a substitute for a person's guilt and their required punishment. It is like paying for one's faults immediately, and before the Judgment Day. This "good work" helps to counterbalance the bad deeds in the scale.

But, wisdom and logic would say differently. The innocent animal's substitution must be only a symbol of a greater substitute. For it is logical that an animal's death cannot actually make payment for a sinful person's misdeeds. No! What we really need is the substitution of another person's life. He would have to be a perfectly righteous person; otherwise, he could not pay the "price" for another person's sins since he would have his own sins that require "payment."

For illustration, it seems reasonable that in certain cases one person could provide substitution for another: such as a rich person giving all his wealth to pay the fine for a poor person that has legal obligations. However, back to the discussion about the heavenly scale: what about all the people in the world that need someone to be a substitute to pay for their wrongdoing? Finding even one truly good person willing to give himself for someone else is not easy. So there is still a problem, since everyone needs a perfect person to be their substitute. What is the solution to this dilemma? How are we going to be accepted into heaven?

If we allowed ourselves to think that God could and would become a man, live a truly perfect life and die as a substitute, then humankind's most serious problem would be solved. Out of love, God Himself would take the punishment of His Own righteous judgment. Since He would be the God-Man with infinite goodness and a willingness to suffer, He could die once for everyone needing His help. Through His substitution, God could justly forgive all the wrongs that have been done. In addition, this would be a gift from God with the only stipulation being that His gift would be received and accepted. Now that is a God to not only thank and respect, but also to love and serve!

This conclusion has been reached using logical deduction about the possibility of judgment after death, but with faith in God's mercy. However, there is some proof that strengthens this reasoning. There is an ancient document stating that what was discussed above is an actual fact. Yes, it relays some bad news that all humans are sinners without excuse; but the good news is that the God-Man has already come. He not only died for all sins, He also rose from the dead to help those in need. (All honest humans know that they need help when coming before a Holy God.) Since the God-Man died for humankind, He inspires and guides His followers to do works of thankfulness and love because of the sure hope of acceptance into heaven! This good news can be read about in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Holy Bible. His coming and His unique work were promised beforehand in the Old Testament, and confirmed in The New Testament. Jesus' perfect righteousness tips the scales of the balance with assurance toward acceptance into God's heaven. He is like heavenly insurance. Isn't that the most important thing in life? Otherwise, life's greatest misdeed is to reject God's perfect substitution and gracious solution for the human dilemma. The right response is to put your faith in Jesus now; He will not reject you! You will immediately obtain forgiveness for the past, help for living today, and an eternal hope for the future.

Excerpt from “Handywork of the Trinity” by Roy Crase

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HANGING

IN THE

BALANCE