I think a better analogy is to liken the earth to a comprehensive school. In the beginning you learn the very basics. As you progress you learn more advanced concepts and your ability and knowledge also grows. Think of each grade or class or year as an an entire earth life or set of earth lives. One progresses to the other, and certain things are necessary to learn in the first term of the school year which help you understand the concepts discussed in the final term of the same year. If these concepts are not sufficiently mastered, then the pupil needs to retake the class (reincarnation). This is repeated as many times as necessary. But with the limit that after a certain number of retakes, the time allotted for learning will elapse.

When we go to school, it is not to just waste away time or dream about the real world and how that it is not the same as the real world. We take our classes seriously because they are absolutely necessary at the moment, and the outcome of our tests etc have a very real effect on what we will face after graduation. Successfully completing school, means a person is sufficiently trained, knowledgeable and ready to be a productive member of society (the real world). Those who fail will eventually become a hindrance or a burden to others. Instead of furthering everything, they become dependent.

Such is life on earth in relation to heaven. We are hear to develop in such a way as to have a paradisal effect on others and our environment. So saying:

If we are "good" and believe in God

is wrong. Being "good" is synonymous to believing in the Creator who is the source of all goodness. It is the only thing that matters. A "good" person is that person that lives his life in strict accordance to how his Creator Wills it. Nothing to do with church, religion, or doctrine/dogma. This is a very important point that needs to be emphasized. A good man lives the Word of God. That is worship. That is belief, not lip service....