Many people when asked about their personal relationship with God will tell of their celebration of sobriety. They are excited to share the amount of days they have managed to remain “clean and sober.” The accomplishment of sobriety is honorable and does show some concern and effort on the part of the addict, but is sobriety within itself enough? Can someone clean themselves up enough to be worthy? Is a certain number of sober days what God requires to enter Heaven? Sobriety may earn you a place within society, but it takes salvation to get you into Heaven.

The truth of the matter is that sober people still go to hell as well!

Let’s examine what the Bible tells us about coming truly clean before God.

The Danger of Self-Reformation

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Luke 11:24-26

The issue here is that this man tried to clean up himself without the help of God. The danger lies in the fact that we in ourselves are no match for the devil. When we try to reform ourselves, we cannot overpower the temptations he offers. If Satan could seduce Adam and Eve out of the perfect Garden of Eden, then who are we in ourselves to escape his deceptive devices? Mankind needs the help that only God can provide.

The Deception of Self-Cleansing

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. 2 Peter 2:22

Self-cleansing may make you look or feel better for a time, but without the help of the Lord it is only temporary. The dog who is hungry will naturally eat that which has made it sick. The pig who is washed from its filth will still naturally desire to wallow in the mud. Likewise, the natural man who is trying to clean themselves up without the help of the Lord will eventually return to what comes natural, or the only escape they know. Sadly, when the bad days come they will return to their addictions.

The Definite Solution

When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. Luke 11:21-23

Biblical repentance is not just turning away from some things, but rather turning to someone who can deliver you. Jesus is the “stronger than he.” It is Christ alone that can effectively deliver you from the devil and all his addictions and temptations. This does not mean that you will never face temptations, but He will be your refuge to turn to in the difficult days. He does not just make you a better version of yourself, but He will make you a new creature—with new desires, new ambitions and a new nature.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1

So, if you have managed to keep yourself clean from past temptations, congratulations, but just realize that this accomplishment is not enough to merit salvation. It is a noteworthy accomplishment, but we are not worthy in ourselves to enter into Heaven. You must repent and call out to God for His salvation and for the forgiveness of your sins.

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36