Note 2 at Mt. 13:48: These good "fish" aren't just born that way any more than the good "ground" (spoken of in verses 8 and 23) just happens naturally (see note 1 at Lk. 8:8, p. 135). We cannot make ourselves fit for the kingdom of heaven. Religion has deceived millions of people on this point. Many people are trusting on their church attendance, good works, etc., to make them good, but the Bible reveals that we cannot rid ourselves of sin any more than a leopard can change his spots (Jer. 13:23). All of our self-righteousness is as filthy rags (Isa. 64:6), for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Jesus bore the penalty of our sin for us (Isa. 53:6; 2 Cor. 5:21) so that through faith in His provision, we could become new creatures (2 Cor. 5:17) by the new birth (see note 2 at Jn. 3:3, p. 48).