Not Far From the Kingdom of God

How necessary is it to believe in Jesus as the Son of God?  Isn't it enough to just believe in God and try to always do good and be a good person? 

Mark 12:29-34(NKJV)

29Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 

30And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ £ £This is the first commandment. 

31And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ £ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

32So the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 

33And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, £with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

34Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” But after that no one dared question Him.

Here is what struck me about these verses.  The scribe summarizes his understanding of what Jesus just said.  Seems to me that the summary is a bit like those who think just believing in God is enough.

And what is Jesus' response?  Did Jesus tell the scribe he was right on?  No He didn't.  Jesus told the scribe that he was almost there.  But apparently not close enough.  Loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself won't get you into Heaven.  What will?

Accepting Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior!  Have you don't that yet?  Have you asked Jesus to come into your life and lead you?  Why not do it right now?  Just have a conversation with Jesus.  "Dear Jesus…."