Note 2 at Mt 13:48: These good "fish" aren't just born that way any more than the good "ground" (spoken of in Mt 13:8 and 23) just happens naturally (see note 1 at Lu 8:8). We cannot make ourselves fit for the kingdom of heaven. Religion has deceived millions on this point. Many of us are trusting on our church attendance, good works, etc., to make us good, but the Bible reveals that we cannot rid ourselves of sin any more than a leopard can change its 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 (Ro 3:23). Jesus bore the penalty of our sins for us (Isa 53:6 and 2Co 5:21) so that through faith in His provision, we could become new creatures (2Co 5:17) by the new birth (see note 2 at Joh 3:3).