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Well we agree that the only good is the Grace of God that flows through the efforts that that same Grace guides us to make. As for how much of such surrender in someone’s life gains them heaven, versus how much failure achieves them hell, I cannot say. But I can say that you will nowhere in all of human history find perfection or even balance in the greatest of people, where “great” means surrender to God. That being the truth, why not acknowledge the success where it is found, as an inspiration, rather than focus on the inevitable failings that will also always exist as well?

God chose his elect before the foundation of the world.

Ephesians 1

"4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,"

If you're among God's elect, at some point before you die, you will be "born again", converted to Christ.

John 3

"1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."

Note that is says nothing of how much one has to "do good" to gain heaven, or how much failure sentences one to hell.

As far as looking for inspiration, we are to not look for it in men whose words and deeds belie their Christian profession of faith, that is, those who have every appearance of being unrepentent sinners, because none of their works are acceptable to God:

Romans 14:23 "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."

If we confess our sins to God, God forgives:

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

If we don't, we are unrepentant. Such a person is thus not forgiven and therefore can not be among God's elect. An unrepentant sinner is an unbeliever, whether they are an atheist, some believer in false gods, or even someone who professes faith in Christ, if that profession is false. If we see continuing wicked acts from a professing Christian and no repentance, that tells us this is person to reject as an unbeliever. While unbelievers may do many nice things, donate millions to charities, make all sorts of public proclamations, start movements, etc., the Bible tells us that if not done in faith, as a true believer in Christ, these things are actually sin - "for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."

That is why the "focus on failings"; it's the Biblically-required discernment of others. It would not be possible to know positively that a person IS a true believer by some simple indicator that's obvious - but such indicators ARE available to know that a person IS NOT a true believer. If you see their words and deeds going against Scripture in a major way. It's like if we're picking a rental car - we can't know which car WILL make a 1,000 mile trip with no problems - but if we see a car there with no tires, we can be sure that it will NOT make the trip.

The Bible tells us to separate ourselves from wicked people:

2 Corinthians 6

"14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."