There are two big lies that Christians tend to believe that change how we act in a negative way:
Our past and present failings, inadequacy, and fallen nature make us unworthy to speak to people about Christ.
Even though works do not grant you entry into Heaven, you can enter into Heaven without works.
We have all heard people say that "The Church is full of hypocrites" or, "If so and so is a Christian then why does he behave that way?" Christians hear this and think that because they themselves are not perfect they are not fit to share the Gospel with their friends and family. We tend to think we will turn people away instead of draw them in to the faith. And, after all, that is the pastor's job. But what did Jesus say?
"Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick." Matthew 9:10-12
We are all sick. None of us is worthy. It is only by the grace of God and Jesus's sacrifice that we enter His presence. And He tells us:
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you...” Matthew 28:19-20
He does not say only preachers and dedicated people of the cloth should do this. This command is directed at ALL Christians. And if there is any doubt that we are all qualified, the Apostle Peter says this about ALL Christians:
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9
It also says in Hebrews:
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
We are called to tell everyone about Jesus. There is no intermediary between us and Him. There is no priest to do this job for us. We are the priests, every one of us! It does not matter how much or how little you know. It does not matter what you have or have not done. Whether you are a preacher, a construction worker, a politician, a convict, a child, a grandparent, or any other kind of person, you are commanded to preach the good news to the world. There are very few things that Jesus specifically called all of us to do and this is one of the most important. It was the last thing He said before he returned to Heaven to prepare a place for us.
We are not called to save sinners. That is the job of God alone. We are told to proclaim his message. It is the work of the Holy Spirit that convicts and brings to repentance. We are just the messengers.
The Apostle Paul wrote
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor." 1 Corinthians 3:6-8
Jesus made a promise along with this command. He said:
"...and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
We can not earn our way into Heaven. Nothing we say or do will gain us entry. Only perfection would do this but none of us is perfect "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” If this is true, then how does one gain entry into Heaven?
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
“For ‘whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” Romans 10:13
"Peter said to them, 'Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" Acts 2:38
So there it is
Recognize your guilt
Pray to Jesus to get forgiveness for your guilt.
Commit to change your ways and live by God's laws.
The first act of obedience should always be baptism if possible.
Pretty simple and straight forward right?
Except that it is not that easy. While it is true that works do not get you into heaven, it is also true that if you are genuine in your faith, there will be works. Works are not a precondition to salvation, but rather a byproduct thereof. If you truly are saved, then your actions will reflect that change. You won't just sit on the couch and bask in your good fortune while others keep moving towards eternal damnation. It would be like watching as your neighbor's house burns down with them inside, knowing you can do something to help, and doing nothing. You CAN NOT live a life of Faith without works.
"For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." James 2:26
Jesus said
"So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter." Matthew 7:17-21
There are many who think they are saved but are deceived.