Scriptures: Exodus
20 v 1-6; 1 Corinthians 13 v 1-3; Matthew 7 v
13-23; Matt 15v6-9; John 14v6; Luke 16 v 19-31; Revelation 20 v 11-15.
People often assume that because they were christened as
babies and attend a church, sometimes just Easter and Christmas that they have fulfilled
all requirements to enter Heaven when they die. Others assume that because they
are wonderful humanitarians giving millions to needy charities that they will
be welcome in Heaven.
Still others who are extremely religious expect that very
traditional religious behaviour to be full qualifications for Heaven. When you
apply for employment your references and qualifications are thoroughly checked.
God will check yours too so you need a checklist.
Jesus says there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth on
the Day of Judgment when all will stand before the Righteous Judge and the
books are opened. We will stand in plain garments unable to hide behind our
elaborate religious costumes. We will not be hidden by our big bank account or worldly fame. It will mean nothing
in that day. All our self - aggrandisement will be discarded.
Those who are born again Christians, baptized in water, living lives of
humble obedience to Jesus and doing the will of the Father have their names
written in the Lamb's Book of life. They have already been judged when they
confessed their sins to the Father and accepted the righteousness of Jesus
Christ. They are forgiven of all sin and by grace (God's undeserved favour)
will enter Heaven without appearing before the Judge. They have the right qualifications.
God will not ask you how successful you were in business;
whether you were a brilliant surgeon saving many lives; a good housewife and
mother; or a top sportsman. He will ask only two questions - Do you know My Son
Jesus Christ? And Did you obey Him?
Your answer will determine your eternal destination.
Please also read the article What God Hates.
As you read these words please assess yourself in the
light of them. Jesus said about Himself - I am the way, the truth and the life;
no one comes to the Father except through Me. If you are trying in every other
way to be in Heaven when you die you will have all eternity to regret your
choice.
Think of the true story of Lazarus and the Rich Man. It
was not a parable. Lazarus was a poor beggar near the home of this rich man.
When the ungodly rich man died and then Lazarus died, the rich man was in the
flames of Hell and Lazarus was in Abraham's bosom or paradise where the
faithful souls stayed until the Cross gave them passage to Heaven.
The rich man could see Lazarus and begged him to dip his
finger in water so one drop could cool his tongue. He begged him to send word
to his family to believe in God to avoid this torment. Lazarus was unable to do
any of these things.
Our God is not an amalgamation of Buddha, Hindu,
Freemason, Confucius, Moonie, Mormon, Jehovah's Witnesses, Babylonian, mythological gods, Roman Catholic
Mary goddess, all the dead saints, Voodoo, sorcery or any other ancestral
spirit of dead fathers or chiefs. These all belong to this world system headed
by the prince of this world, Satan who was Lucifer.
Our God is the Creator of all things visible and
invisible who sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to save
the sinners who wanted eternity in Heaven.
There is no other name but Jesus or other god who can save us.
Today you can choose your eternal pathway. If you find
you have been on the wrong road you can do a u-turn onto the strait and narrow
way that leads to life. I did it 38 years ago and found it the most amazing
experience of my life. No regrets at all. I am just one on a journey passing
through this world but no longer part of it.