Uncertainty

I was listening to an interview with an Islamic imam, he was explaining the Islamic beliefs about being judged after we die for what we did in this life. They believe your good deeds are weighed against your sins, and hopefully you were good enough to merit God's favor. When he was asked, "Do you think God will judge in your favor?" He replied,

"Nobody can be certain. In life, we all commit sin."

He said he was hopeful that God's mercy would cover his sins because he has tried to live a good life.

When I became old enough to understand things pertaining to sin and God and judgement, I was taught basically the same thing. We try to live a good life, and we hope that we do good enough to earn entry into heaven. It was considered presumptuous to assume that God would accept you.

Constant fear that you might not be good enough to make it. What a terrible way to live.