I don't think Jesus was saying "Be good because then you'll get in to heaven". I think he was saying "Be good because it's good to be good, but you're never going to be good enough which is why I had to come down to earth and take the punishment you deserve in your place".
I do lust after women in my heart. Sometimes I try not to, and sometimes dammit I do it anyway. I know that I'm a broken fallen person who despite all my inherent failings actually choose to do bad things (and I'd challenge anyone to deeply examine themselves and find that they're any different). The reason that I think I'm going to be ok on 'judgement day' is not because I am such a nice anglican person, handing out cake and tea to everyone, but because I think Jesus paid the price that I deserve for my transgressions.
Re: I know I shouldn't be offensive but I will be
I don't think Jesus was saying "Be good because then you'll get in to heaven". I think he was saying "Be good because it's good to be good, but you're never going to be good enough which is why I had to come down to earth and take the punishment you deserve in your place".
I do lust after women in my heart. Sometimes I try not to, and sometimes dammit I do it anyway. I know that I'm a broken fallen person who despite all my inherent failings actually choose to do bad things (and I'd challenge anyone to deeply examine themselves and find that they're any different). The reason that I think I'm going to be ok on 'judgement day' is not because I am such a nice anglican person, handing out cake and tea to everyone, but because I think Jesus paid the price that I deserve for my transgressions.