Wow… Jesus made strong statements consideering that many of us believe we’re ok with God.  But if we ask ourselves a sincere question however, it may raise some doubts as to whether or not we are 100% sure of our post-life salvation. “Will I go to Heaven when I die?” we might ask. It’s a good question. It may be the most important question you might honestly ask yourself.

So if  the answer brings even the smallest doubt and concern in our minds, maybe we should look for a more authoratative source for the truth… maybe we should look at the scriptures to be absolutely certain, rather than believe what we think we may know God, and about such important, eternal questions.

For example, the Gospel of John reveals Jesus not only as God in the flesh, but  also as the living “Word of God.”  Thus, what Jesus had to say while here on earth is important, authoratative, and powerful, because as He said, “For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak.”

And of course, Jesus had much to say to us given from His Father. But words can be meaningless without actions, and Jesus backed up what He said in one very important summary event… His death on the cross. In the days leading up to his arrest and death… a criminal’s death, Jesus told his disciples that it was necessary for him to die. But they didn’t yet understand.

The Bible says that whoever receives Him, whoever believes in His name, He gives them the  right to become children of God. That’s because we are estranged from God as we are. If we think we are good enough to earn God’s favor at the end of our life… Perhaps thinking that God will get out his “cosmic scales” to weigh our good against our evil,  then why did Jesus have to die on the cross? Was THAT not sufficient for you?  

The disciples didn’t understand the purpose, or even the idea of Jesus death until afterward. Like us, they just didn’t know what God required to save mankind. It was only when God opened their eyes that they saw  Jesus came to live, just so He could die, offering His life for them! Jesus lived the perfect, sinless life we NEVER could! Then He took OUR place of punishment on that cross, this in “exchange” for His rightousness! ALL OTHER gods in this world make people rely upon their own good deeds, or “works” to reach them. The one true God “worked” on our behalf… and at great expense to Himself. What love is this?

“God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

No mere, sinful mortal would be acceptable as an offering before a holy, and just God.  He did this because of His great love for you! 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16

And… “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…”  Romans 3:23, 24

So I ask you this friend… “If you died today, would you be acceptable before God in heaven… And why?” The answer is not, “Because I’m basically a good person.” No, you’re really not a good person by God’s standard. The answer should be, “Because I ‘ve put my faith in the spotless Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.  He died a criminal’s death on the cross, paying the heavy debt of my sins, redeeming me from God’s judgment and eternal death in Hell.”

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

Dear friend… “free gift” …that’s “the good news”  or “the gospel”  offered to all mankind! It cost us nothing… but it cost God everything! We can have no doubts about our salvation if indeed we place our faith in God alone—because we will never know if we’ve done enough in this life to “measure up” before a holy, perfect, and just God. No, our good deeds begin after our salvation, knowing that our Redeemer has come to live in us…those who believe and  love Him!

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:8-10

Enter through that narrow gate! Trust and believe this awesome “good news” today.  Admit to God that perhaps you were too proud, thinking you could earn your own way to heaven. Confess that sin to Jesus, asking Him to lead you to new life, and “receive” this perfect Gift offered to you from God.

Remember this… Every gift has a giver, and the giver has already purchased it. We only have to receive the gift… or reject it, because it’s already been paid for. Jesus paid the costly price for your sins, and God gives you the decision to receive the most excellent Gift—because His love is not for sale… it’s free, praise God, hallelujah!