The world is full of “good” people who are going to hell. People who try their best to do what is right and miss the mark. We all have an innate sense of what is right and what is wrong. I think most people want to do “the right thing.”

In 2 Chronicles 34, we’re introduced to Josiah, the King of Judah. Josiah becomes king at eight years old after the assassination of his father, Amon. When Josiah turned 16, he started seeking the Lord.

In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David. In his twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles and idols.

2 Chronicles 34:3 (NIV)

When Josiah was 26 years old, the Temple of the Lord was being purified when the Book of the Law was found.

While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the temple of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord that had been given through Moses.

2 Chronicles 34:14 (NIV)

Before the Book of the Law had been found, Josiah was just a “good” person doing what he thought was right. After the Book had been found, it was read to Josiah.

When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes.

2 Chronicles 34:19 (NIV)

After tearing his robes, Josiah tells “Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant: ‘Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the remnant in Israel and Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord’s anger that is poured out on us because those who have gone before us have not kept the word of the Lord; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written in this book’ (emphasis added). 2 Chronicles 34:20-21 (NIV)

Josiah may have had an idea of what was in the Book of the Law. An idea of what was right. Josiah had several choices that he could have made after having heard the Book of the Law. He could continue going on as he had been doing, believing his way was right. That is, go forward in life with the idea that he was a “good person,” or he could adhere to the Book of the Law and correct those things he had been doing wrong. Finally, he could have stopped trying to do good things and went that way in bitterness for failing to follow the Law. Josiah accepted his culpability in not following the Book, so he asked the Lord what he should do.

Many people want to do the “right thing” until they find out what the right thing is. Some, like Josiah, when presented with the truth of God’s word, humbly submit, are saved, and live a glorious life in Christ. Others believe that their way of doing “right” is the right way and continue to do their own thing. Then there are those who take offense at the word of God and turn away from doing anything that could associate them with those who do right. It’s not enough to do their own thing. No, they mock those who believe.

The simple truth of the matter is that “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” before the Lord (Isaiah 64:6 NIV). This is why we need Christ. Without His guidance in our lives, we can do our best to do what is right and continually miss the mark. Whatever path we choose, when we discover the truth, is what will determine how we answer this question the Lord will ask at our judgment: “What did you do with my Son, Jesus?”

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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