What does it mean to be a good American? Is it someone who loves freedom, football, and apple pie? Is it saluting the flag and singing the National Anthem? Is it doing your job and taking care of your family? 

You might be a good American, but unfortunately that’s not good enough to live in a perfect Heaven when you die. Think for a moment, have you ever told a lie or taken something that wasn’t yours? Have you ever been guilty of greed, anger, envy, or lust? When God judges you, do you think He will find sin? Of course He will, because we’re all sinners. Even if we’re “good Americans,” we’re still sinful people separated from God. 

The good news is that God loves us so much He made a way back—a way of salvation—through God the Son whose name is Jesus, which means “Deliverer” or “Savior.” Jesus lived a perfect life and then willingly suffered a cruel death on the cross in order to pay the penalty of your sins and mine. Jesus was punished so we wouldn’t have to be, and then He rose again from the dead and lives in Heaven where we can live too. 

Jesus did everything needed to save us. But God requires that we accept this gift by trusting in His son, Jesus Christ, and relying on Him to be the sufficient payment for our sins. Salvation is not through our own merit or goodness. We are only saved because Jesus took our punishment. 

So put your faith in Jesus today. Read the Bible and study it to learn more about God’s plan for your life. You might also visit needhim.org, areyouagoodperson.org, or odb.org.