Searching for Truth that Leads to Heaven
Me serve a loving and just God, which the Bible says "...wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (I Timothy 2:4). As we search for the truth that leads us to Heaven, it is unfortunate that in today's world, there are many types of religions, including different types of Christianity. We need to know the difference between them because only one leads to Heaven and the others do not. Even true biblical Christianity is not necessarily what society presents it to be or, for that matter, what a church may present it to be. The "knowledge of the truth" that the Bible is talking about in I Timothy 2:4 is given in the next verse which states, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (I Timothy 2:5).
True Christianity is based on all of the teachings of the Bible¾the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is to experience a personal encounter¾a personal relationship¾with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. That is true biblical Christianity! That is the truth that will take you to Heaven.
God's Word states, "For God so loved the world (mankind) that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son" (John 3:16-18).
"Yet to all who received him, (referring to Jesus Christ) to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God¾children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God" (John 1:12-13).
Though we may not understand all that happens in the spiritual world, it is when we accept God's Son, Jesus Christ, as our personal Savior that the power of God is released in our lives. We experience a spiritual rebirth; what is referred to as being "born again." We become a child of the one true God. All children of God will spend eternity with Him in that special place called Heaven that He has prepared for them.
However, there is a second kind of Christianity in the world. I call it the religion of Christianity. There are many people who practice the religion of Christianity, but it is not based upon biblical principles. It directs our faith towards manmade concepts and practice, just like the religion of Israel did when Jesus was here on Earth. A Christian commitment to "things," "doctrines," "ordinances," "traditions," "structures," and "personalities" will not stand the test of true biblical Christian teachings. Our commitment cannot be to something other than Jesus Christ and His teachings as found in the Scriptures. This non-biblical type of Christianity has caused much confusion. Even more importantly, it has caused people to miss Heaven.
I would never want to point you in the direction of some weak-kneed, shallow Christianity that is not the true way. Heaven is too valuable for that. I am talking about a commitment to something that has more value than gold, silver, diamonds or anything else.
In today's Christian environment it is easy for us to be involved, but that may not mean we are committed to Jesus Christ and His teachings. There is a vast difference. It is very easy to be involved; involvement only means activity. People can be active in a church. Many people are committed to a lot of different things and philosophies. They can even be doing many works in the name of Jesus, but that does not necessarily mean they have experienced a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and that is what is important. The Apostle Paul was involved full time in the religion of his day, but he said. "...whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law (being able to keep all of the commandments) but that which is through faith in Christ..." (Philippians 3:7-9).
Jesus Christ was the true and living God in the flesh, the God who created all things, including you and me. When the virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus, an angel said to the shepherds living out in the fields near His birthplace of Bethlehem, "'...Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David (that was Bethlehem) a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manager.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests'" (Luke 2:10-14). Jesus became the Savior for all of mankind who come to Him. He will save their souls from Hell. The angels knew how important this was for mankind; it was good news of great joy!
The ministry of Jesus only lasted for about three and one-half years, yet, the effect of His life on the history of mankind has been far greater than that of anyone else whoever lived.
He lived in poverty and was reared in obscurity. He received no formal education and never possessed wealth or widespread influence.
He did not travel extensively. He only once crossed the boundary of the country in which He lived. In infancy He startled a king; in childhood He puzzled doctors, in manhood He ruled the course of nature, walked upon the waves, and hushed the sea to sleep.
He never wrote a book. Yet His life has inspired more books than any other man. He never wrote a song. Yet He has furnished the theme for more songs than all the songwriters combined.
He never gathered an army, not drafted a soldier, nor used a weapon. Yet no leader ever had more rebels surrender to Him without a short being fired.
Great statesmen have come and gone. Scientists, philosophers, and theologians are soon forgotten. But the name of this Man abounds more and more.
One day each week, the wheels of commerce cease turning, and multitudes gather to pay homage and respect to Him. His enemies could not destroy Him, and the gave could not hold Him.
Do you know why Jesus has had so much influence? He was God on Earth in the form of a human being. If you want to know God, look at the life of Jesus Christ.
In the Bible Jesus is called: "The Alpha and the Omega" (Revelation 1:8); "Anointed" (Psalms 2:2); "Bread of Life" (John 6:48); "The Bright and Morning Star" (Revelation 22:16); "Chosen and Precious Cornerstone" (I Peter 2:6); "Wonderful Counselor" (Isaiah 9:6); "Mighty God" (Isaiah 9:36); "Deliverer" (Romans 11:26); "Emmanuel" (Isaiah 7:14); "Eternal Life" (I John 5:20); "Firstborn" (Psalms 89:27); "Foundation" (Isaiah 28:16); "Friend of Sinners" (Matthew 11:19); "Good Shepherd" (John 10:11); "High Priest" (Hebrews 4:14); "I Am" (John 8:58); "Our God" (Isaiah 40:3); "King of Kings" (I Tomothy 6:15); "Lamb" (Revelation 5:12); "Light of the World" (John 8:12); "Living Bread" (John 6:51); "Messiah" (John 1:41); "Most Holy" (Daniel 9:24); "Physician" (Matthew 9:12); "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6); "Rabbi" (John 1:49); "Rock" (I Corinthians 10:4); "Rose of Sharon" (Song of Songs 2:1); "Descended from David" (II Timothy 2:8); "Sun of Righteousness" (Malachi 4:2); "Teacher" (John 3:2); "The Way, The Truth, The Life" (John 14:6); "Word" (John 1:1).
Jesus said, "...No one comes to the father except through me" (John 14:6).
One of the greatest problems we have as human beings in becoming a biblical Christian is that we don't think we can possibly be good enough. Or, we see sin in the lives of Christians which causes us to reject Christian teachings, thinking that can't be the way to God. If that describes your way of thinking, I want to show you why that kind of thinking is not accurate. You feel this way because you don't understand true biblical Christianity and what God has done for you.
You are right in thinking that you can't be good enough; no one is good enough for God. You can't pile up brownie points and somehow hope they make you acceptable in God's sight. You don't have to! That is the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our salvation is not based on our being good enough, it is based upon the righteousness of Jesus Christ. This is what the Bible means when it says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Jesus is the only one who was ever good enough to qualify for Heaven. He lived a sinless life! That is how people like you and me are made right with God¾that is where we get the righteousness we need. That is why "Salvation is found in no one else..." as the above verse states. The righteousness of Jesus Christ is "credited to our account" in the eyes of God when we truly believe in and accept Jesus as our personal Savior. This is good news!
"But now a righteousness from God, apart from law (our keeping all of God's commandments) has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith is Jesus Christ to all who believe (accept Him as their Savior - emphasis added). There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace (our salvation is a free gift) through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood..." (Romans 3:21-25).
God can't pretend sin doesn't exist. He doesn't look at us and make excuses for us. He had to do something about sin to break its power over us. So He sent us His Son Jesus and we have been rescued¾redeemed¾from Hell by Him. This was accomplished when Jesus died as a sacrifice to pay sin's penalty for all mankind, and to those who believe and receive this offer from God, He does a wonderful thing: He justifies us.
If we need to be justified, it means something is wrong. What is wrong is that we don't match up to the standards of God and God doesn't change His standard in order to justify us. The way the penalty of our sin is taken care of is when we believe in and receive Jesus as our Savior, God does a wonderful thing by applying the righteousness of Jesus Christ to our record. That is how our relationship with God is changed so we fit His standard and can qualify for Heaven¾not because we are good enough. "Know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ...because by observing the law (never sinning by always keeping all of God's commandments) no one will be justified" (Galatians 2:16).
Do we deserve this? No, it is God's grace that makes this marvelous gift of salvation from Hell available to us through Jesus Christ. It is a free gift from God. And best of all, it assures us of an eternity in Heaven. How are you going to respond to such a gift? I trust you will receive it thankfully.
The Bible says there is coming a final Judgment Day and that every person will be judged according to the way they lived of their own free will. It says those who are not believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ are condemned. "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son" (John 3:18).
That is a fearful thought! Every human being should stop, listen, and consider while the opportunity lingers. Be done with perilous procrastination. More souls will go to the lake of fire through procrastination than human mathematics can calculate.
I am not just playing on emotions. I am addressing intelligence, conscience, and free will. Death has a way of striking unexpectedly and then the last chance is gone. There is no "second chance." Receive the risen and living Savior Jesus Christ into your heart now. To possess Him is the only way to be eternally saved.
Soon enough all of us must pass over to that other side of the grave. To talk about death is not being morbid; it is just as rational as it is eventually inescapable. For all of us who know the Lord Jesus as our Savior, the grave has been transformed from a foe to a friend. With the backing of the Bible we can say, "we need have no fear of death." It will be a wonderful experience. Our last breath here will result in instantaneous complete healing and exquisite joy there on the other side in a better world. Jesus and Heaven are ours! In a word, sunset here is sunrise there! As Paul says, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).
To the merely natural person, death is the final pauperizing blow; "To die is loss." Nothing bankrupts humans so completely as death. Death is the super-loss, for in that instant, every thrill and ambition is extinguished.
What a contrast is Paul's statement, "...to die is gain." Only a Christian like Paul could say it and mean it based on certified guarantees. He knew, as we can now know, how soundly factual is the basis of the Christian faith and hope. Paul actually encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, and he became a vehicle through which Jesus worked many miracles, even raising the dead.
Paul had searched the sacred Scriptures with scholarly carefulness and had found in them the birth, life, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ all clearly foretold centuries in advance through the Hebrew prophets. He knew how true was the fulfillment of those prophecies. That knowledge and more was behind Paul's victory cry "...to die is gain."
There are many reasons why death is gain to those who know Jesus Christ as their Savior. I reviewed several earlier in my discussion about Heaven.
What Heaven represents is unmistakable. To be there will be the highest fulfillment of all pure hopes, ageless vitality and every sorrow healed. Gone forever the burden of mortal flesh and earthly troubles, weakness, pain, temptation, grief, limitation, and frustration. Heaven is a place where there is no unholy thought, desire, fear, doubt, or anxiety. No more hungering and thirsting, every tear wiped away, drinking "living waters" of immortality. It will be a fabulous transition from here to there; from this to that; from now to then. Peter describes it as "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away" (I Peter 1:4).
All around us will be those shining "clouds of witnesses"¾the redeemed of all the centuries, all serving the same Savior and all with pure hearts welcoming our participation. Moses, David, John, Paul, etc., and perhaps Peter himself will interject, "ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (I Peter 1:8 KJV).
Added to all that, there will be the reward of reunion with our own departed loved ones who were near and dear to us in this present world. They will be just the same in their physical identities as when they were here with us, except that every wrinkle, every blemish, every disfigurement, every mark of age or weakness will have gone forever. There will be neither any fading of identity nor any blurring of personality. You will always be you. I shall always be me.
A common concern of some is that of what happens to young children who die. The Bible nowhere says or implies that young children who die are lost. Although all who are born are sin-infected, they are not guilty. There is no such thing as inherited guilt. Those who die as children are not saved by their innocence, but they are saved because of it. I believe the Bible teaches that we do not become responsible for our transgressions until we reach a responsible age where we knowingly commit wrong. That, and only that, makes us transgressors and consequently guilty.
Communication, however vivid, cannot properly communicate to any mind limited by sense and time the vastness of all the riches that God has in store for those who love Him enough to put their faith in His Son Jesus Christ, the one who gave His life so that all who believe in Him will spend their eternity in that wonderful place called Heaven.
Everyone, however, has a choice to make, and we will choose either Heaven or Hell. Whichever one we choose will be for eternity; it will never end. There are many people who do not want to hear such a statement, but we all will choose one or the other, even if it is by our silence. That is a truth we can't escape regardless of how hard we try.
There are many people who will ignore the reality that they ultimately have to make a choice. They do not want to think about it. There are people who avoid making a choice by convincing themselves that they don't believe in either Heaven or Hell. Or as the poll in USA TODAY reports, most people who believe there is a Heaven also believe they will go there. This is their belief without really knowing or trying to find out if there are conditions or requirements. People use these and other rationalizations in order to ease their conscience that they may be making the wrong choice.
If there is even a possibility of a Heaven and a Hell, it is far too critical a decision for anyone to pass it off lightly by not thinking about it, by ignoring it, or by not trying to find out all that it involves. That is poor judgment. We are talking about something that is for eternity.
You do not want to miss Heaven.
God does not want you to miss Heaven.
I do not want you to miss Heaven.
You do not have to miss Heaven.
I will again briefly review how we can be sure that we don't miss Heaven. First, we must realize that everyone is a sinner because every person is born with a sinful nature (see Romans 7:14-8:4). By our own life experiences, we know that this is true. Certainly, we would not have wanted to be born with a sinful nature, but the Bible says we had no choice in the matter; it has been handed down to us from our forefather Adam as a part of our nature because of his falling into sin (read Romans 5:12-19). Therefore, none of us¾from birth¾could ever be good enough to qualify for Heaven. That is why we need a Savior to save us, or our lot would be to spend eternity in Hell. Jesus is mankind's Savior. He accomplished this by coming to Earth and living a sinless life.
God's plan for our salvation is that if we simply believe in and accept His Son Jesus as our Savior, He will credit the sinless life of Jesus to our life, which thus qualifies us for Heaven. That is good news! Mankind has no authority to alter God's plan by using or believing in some other plan that is humanly developed or created.
Is God's plan fair? More than fair! It required great sacrifice on the part of both God the Father and His Son, Jesus. Remember that it has always been mankind who has turned his back on God; God has never turned against mankind. We should be thankful that He loves us enough to provide a plan where we might be saved from spending our eternity in Hell, despite our living contrary to His standards. God didn't have to save us!