Saved? Whose Terms?

A HUGE day approaches – for all – for everyone – for all ever conceived!  What?

All will be raised from death to stand before Jesus to be judged and sentenced to either life with God in glory or life removed from God’s grace in Hell.

For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation, John 5:26-29.

If such is the case – it is critical to prepare – TODAY!  It is important to understand and embrace the means of entry into God’s glory as declared by Jesus.  As shown by Jesus!  He was accepted before God and given honor.  His way works for sure!  But, might a mix of Jesus’ terms and mine be acceptable or does the way declared by a spiritual guru suffice or might just being a good person, a real good person, be OK?  To get this wrong is FATAL!!  YIKES!

Apparently, most Americans believe they have found and followed a means approved by God for at most funerals it is declared or implied that the one departed has gone to Heaven.

Here are some beliefs people have embraced:

1. I kept the Ten Commandments. The rich young ruler thought so but Jesus said NO, Matthew 19:21.
2. I was good:  I kept my word, I was kind, I obeyed all traffic laws, I answered when asked, I worked hard, I was always on time – I was often said of me, “She is a good person.”  Not by works of righteousness that we have done, Titus 3:5 and Ephesians 2:8.
3. I did much good:  I helped at the mission, gave toys at Christmas, gave to the United Way, etc.  Good by the world’s definition.  Comparing to others doesn’t save, II Corinthians 10:12.
4. I did great exploits: I took missions trips, worked in leper colonies, quit my job in order to serve.  Says Jesus, “I don’t know you”, Matthew 7:21-23 (I Corinthians 13:1-3).
5. I went to a good church where Jesus was taught, communion received and great fellowship with other Christians. Says Jesus, “I don’t know you”, Luke 13:27.
6. I accepted Jesus as my Savior:  I raised my hand when asked if I wanted to be saved, I went forward when asked, I prayed the sinner’s prayer.  Jesus: They were among us but never of us, I John 2:19.
7. I was baptized, took communion, dutifully tithed, and was a faithful servant in church.  You boast in God, confident saved, know His will and teach the Bible – BUT…  Romans 2:17-18.

Note the word “I”.  If you think you did some, enough or all, you’d better think again!

Consider: There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death, Proverbs 16:25.

So, examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless indeed you are disqualified, II Corinthians 13:5.

Do most go to Heaven?  Scripture declares this: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it,” Matthew 7:13-14.

Apparently, most DO NOT go to Heaven, so back to the question.  What is the way to Heaven?  Who will Jesus accept?

Jesus: No man comes to the Father except through Me, John 14:6.

The way? The power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…as it is written, “The just shall live by faith,” Romans 1:16-17.  It means one believes and confesses Jesus died for them and rose from death and they believe He alone can take them to Heaven so they live their days in that belief.