Can I get to heaven by being a good person?

Chuck Smith, on the rich young ruler: "Man cannot save himself. The moralist cannot save himself. No man by good works can save himself." Paul: "For by grace are ye saved through faith ... Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Read Chuck on Matthew 19:22 in the reader. Chuck Smith commentary used by permission of The Word For Today.

Verified. Every scripture quotation on this page has been checked word-for-word against the King James text. Last reviewed 2026-10-13.