A firm statement of Jesus that strikes me, when I recall it in some kind of exposition, is the one he addressed to the chief priests and elders of the people: "...sinners and harlots, go before you into the kingdom of God."

It is not much knowledge, long prayers, impeccable oratory, or hard work for some kind of community or religious congregation, that gives you peace and freedom before the presence of the Almighty; only a clean heart willing to honor Him, will enter His courts.

The intentions of the heart and the most hidden thoughts are completely known to God.

Jeremiah 17:9-10 NKJV

9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?
10 I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.

1 Corinthians 4:4-5 NKJV

4 For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.