Recently, I heard a conversation where someone said they wouldn't go to hell just because they did a certain bad habit. God knew they were a good person and that was all that mattered.
Have you ever had anyone say something similar? Do you feel that way about yourself?
I think most people like to think that despite their flaws, they are a good person. I do.
But that won't get me into heaven.
Romans 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Being a good person won't get you into heaven.
The only way to heaven is stated in the above verse.
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
This verse reminds me that I'm not any better than anyone else.
But I also think this verse can become an excuse. An excuse to not try and be more Christ-like. To not follow every command in the Bible.
If Jesus lives in our bodies, then shouldn't He be evident to all we meet?
I don't want to live a life that will technically get me into heaven.
When I see Jesus face to face, I don't want to say, “but I believed in You, wasn't that enough?”
I want to open my arms and say, “Finally, I get to meet you in person. You've been my best friend for so long, I've sought you my whole life, and now I get to behold you.”
I want to hear him say, “Well done, my child, well done.”
I don't know about you, but I want to live a life that is pleasing to God. Instead of arguing points of whether or not certain actions will keep me from heaven or not, I want to ask myself, but is it pleasing to you, Lord?
And if not, that He would give me the strength to turn away from it.
Let's pray,
Dear Jesus,
You know our hearts, each one of us. You know where we can please you more. You know that we can't do any of it on our own, but only with your strength, help us to know that also. I pray that you would shine light on areas we need to become more like you, the sins we need to cast away. Please help us to know you deeper, to allow you to shine through all areas of our lives, not just the ones we want. I pray that each of us would walk into your presence on earth and when we get to heaven, we will hear you say, “Beloved, I know you.”
In Jesus name, Amen.
Have you ever tried to work your way into heaven? Have you ever had someone become offended when you explained our behavior matters to God? How do you handle these kind of conversations?
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