Why can't we enter God's heaven on our own?
We cannot enter God's heaven on our own because in ourselves we are lost, like sheep without a shepherd, and separated from God through Adam's fall as federal head of the human race. Scripture declares everyone has come short of God's glory, so entry requires God to do something on our behalf.
Les explains that recognizing our lost condition is the very first step of faith on the road to salvation. He notes that when people are asked why God should let them into His heaven, they give various reasons but invariably overlook Romans 3. In ourselves we are lost, like sheep without a shepherd. We are separated because of Adam's fall, since Adam was the federal head of the whole human race. Scripture says everyone has come short of the glory of God, which means we cannot enter God's heaven unless God does something on our behalf.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
More Questions
Why do people think they can get into heaven without being saved?
Many people today do not believe Romans 3:23 and think they are good enough or that God will let them slip in, but He will not, because all have sinned.