President Trump made headlines recently for comments he made about his hopes for ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. He said indicated that ending that war and saving thousands of lives would boost his chances of entering heaven. This sort of statement seems to play into a works based salvation, but it is difficult to know just what sort of theology of the afterlife to which the President adheres. Further complicating the matter is there is some debate as to whether he was making a joke rather than a serious comment. I sincerely hope that the President has a true understanding of the gospel that is based on grace through Jesus Christ and not the works of man’s hands. Regardless of the President’s personal beliefs, his comment illustrates a widely held belief in our culture—namely that a person can earn entrance heaven through their good deeds.