God didn’t make getting into Heaven a complicated process. He knew we humans would complicate any plan He gave, so He made it as simple as possible. To me, this in itself shows the wonder of God – elegance in simplicity.
Many religions rely on convoluted works and deeds in order to get into their non-existent heaven. They have checklists and requirements, and specify in detail the various actions (good deeds) here on Earth that are necessary to propel one to a higher state of glory. Yet most religions don’t identify exactly what works or how many works you need to do in order to be absolutely, positively sure you receive eternal salvation. These followers wait in constant fear – what if their efforts are deemed insufficient?
On the opposite side of the behavior coin, most religions have restrictions regarding your behavior here on Earth. This can be confusing even to Christians, who themselves are called to restrict their behaviors in various ways. God has given us the Ten Commandments and other guidelines in His Holy Word, and expects us to try to follow them. However, most people are surprised to learn that even if you lead a good life, don’t murder anyone, and follow the Golden Rule, you still may not make it into Heaven. Even more perplexing to other faiths is how the I AM God has a path for murderers to enter Heaven.
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God –not by works, so that no one can boast.” Our actions, deeds, and works do not get us into Heaven, it is our faith. As Jesus told us, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He sent.” (John 6:29).
Once we believe, we normally want to express our joy through works in His name. Indeed, a faith without works is a dead faith (James 2:14). It is rare, if not impossible for the Holy Spirit to allow a true believer to exhibit no signs of faith or works.
God foreshadowed His plan of salvation when He had Moses lift up the snake in the desert (Numbers 21:8-9), an act to which Jesus Himself referred (John 3:14-15). In Hi s anger over His People’s disobedience, God had sent deadly serpents to afflict the Israelites. Those who were bitten could look upon the snake for salvation – if they believed, they did not die from the poisonous venom. Sin is death, God requires us to do today to get into Heaven is to look upon Jesus Christ and believe in Him as our Savior. His sacrifice takes away the sin and we will not die a spiritual death.
It is our faith in Jesus Christ that saves us (Acts 4:12). That is God’s perfect and normal plan. It’s not what we do. It’s not what we don’t do (i.e. murder). The only thing that matters is what’s been done. What has been done is the mission of Jesus Christ to this Earth. He came, lived a sinless life, and offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of all. But the knowledge of the sacrifice won’t get you into Heaven. You must believe in Him and accept Him as your personal LORD and Savior.
Jesus accomplished His mission here on Earth. Our job is to believe in the One God sent. Have you accomplished your mission? Have you committed your life to Jesus Christ as the One True Savior, the Way and the Truth and the Life? (John 14:6) Have you prayed to Him confessing your sins, asking for forgiveness, and accepting Him as you Savior and mediator with God? (1 Timothy 2:5). If not, take time today to commit your life to Him, the only One who can give us eternal life. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one and eternity is a long time to be separated from God. Make sure you have your mission accomplished.
In His love and service,
Jeff Myers
A servant of Jesus Christ
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