How Good Is Good Enough?

His doctrinal conclusion is right (no one is “good enough” on their own, according to the Biblical standard) but he parrots many of the analogies and examples given by others as though his own (ie Jesus the liar, lunatic, or Lord; and the oddness of Jesus forgiving the sins committed against others, if he were not the offended God, both which come from Lewis’ Mere Christianity, at least. And the “why should I let you into my Heaven” question from Evangelism Explosion).

Also I don’t recall the Author making any case for: why the Bible is the authoritative guide to Heaven…unless he is meaning only the Biblical Heaven. So it comes down to “if you believe in the Biblical Heaven, the way to get there is to read the Bible and show more follow what Jesus, the Prophets, and Apostles all say.”

Typical sermon, turned for profit/book deal to sell in the Church bookstore…the audience of the sermon was church members (who hopefully already believed in salvation by faith apart from works of the law) or those who valued the Bible’s message and maybe didn’t know what the Bible teaches. The readership of a book is wider and needs more background and explanation to appeal to the philosophical, seeker, and curious…and more literary integrity. show less

Stanley provides an excellent deconstruction of a common misconception, I have heard this expression of it: "I hope I'll go to heaven." "How do people make it?" "If they are good enough." Stanley states that this is quite commonly believed among Christians, Muslims and people of other faiths but then explodes this thought process. Christians take note! Keeping the 10 Commandments is not the way! Jesus said so! And for those of us who believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that should be enough.
Stanley looks at why "good people go to heaven" is not as fair as it instinctively seems and that the biblical message is that God shows mercy (He does not give us what we deserve) and grace (He freely gives us what we do not deserve).
I studied show more theology and worked in a church for many years and I am thrilled by this well crafted book that should make the concept of divine grace and forgiveness accessible to many people.
Thank you, Andy Stanley for this excellent job, for writing this instruction manual. show less

This small book explores the subject of redemption and good works from a Biblical perspective. Stanley is the senior pastor at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, just north of Atlanta. This is one of many devotional and Bible study guides he has written. His plain-spoken approach to challenging topics draws the reader in as if he is speaking in person.

Some of the smallest books are gems, and this is one of those easy reads that are ideal for a general audience.

A great easy to read book to give to someone who thinks that by being a good person you can go to Heaven.
Andy Stanley says: "Good People do not go in Heaven"

Read in January, 2012
Format Hardcover (edit)
Review 4*

A small thought provoking look at the misconception
of good enough for heaven.

I recommend this to all.

Case 9 shelf 2