A common belief is that trying to be a good person during your time on Earth is enough to avoid Hell. Being good, whatever that may mean, might please God, but it does not earn salvation. Salvation is only found in Jesus Christ; relying on the deficient righteousness of your humanity means your fate is to face God’s wrath and eternal damnation.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. ^{Matthew 7:21-23}

Qualities that make a good person, shown through love and obedience to God, will bring reward and glory in the next life. Good works do not earn us salvation; we are saved so we can do good works.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. ^{Ephesians 2:8-10}

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. ^{Matthew 16:27}