Personal goodness

When it comes to assessing personal standards of goodness I have come across two extremes.  Some people say that they are basically good and should deserve to go to heaven while others acknowledge that if they walk into a church it would collapse around them as a sign of judgement on their life choices.  Self assessment is inconsistant, bias, dependant on circumstances and not an option according to God .  There is only one standard of goodness and it is unachievable.  This doesn’t sound fair until we realise that it puts everyone on the same level which is actually fair.  Not only is everyone on the same level, everyone has exactly the same opportunity to receive more than just a ‘get out of jail free’ pass because of what Jesus did when he willingly died on the cross.  The very core of our belief as Jesus followers is that his death provides anyone with the opportunity for a new life, a clean slate, a fresh start.   This offer is consistent,  complete and doesn’t depend on our circumstances. 

But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
Isaiah 53:5 NLT

http://bible.com/116/isa.53.5.NLT