I recently saw this question on Yahoo Answers.  Below is my response: 

Romans 3:23 states “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” 

Therefore we need God’s grace and mercy no matter what to save us.

However further scripture states everyone who dies (so everyone: ) will stand before God and be judged of their works (Revelation 20:12-13)

Further scripture supports this:


In addition we are all given the light of Christ (some call it a consience) and knowledge of what is good and what is evil as quoted in this scripture:


To sum everything up.  We are all given a consience and ability to choose good or evil.  We all will come short of the glory of God so we need His grace and mercy to save us.  However, we will be brought to the judgement seat after we die and stand accountable to the knowledge we’ve been given from God.

Would you add or take anything out on this answer?