Scripture Reference: Romans 3:21-31

The Divine Provision – Continued

Not human achievement, but humble acceptance. A second observation is that going to heaven is not a matter of human achievement, but humble acceptance. In the survey, a woman from the mid-west said that to go to heaven “you have to be a good person.” But, if going to heaven is a matter of human achievement, then we are competitors at best. I compete against you and you against me. Which one of us will win the race? The one, of course, who runs the best and fastest. The mere thought of it is depressing, if not demeaning. God will have no part of it. He is not in the business of setting people at odds with each other by making them competitors who compete for His grace. Yet, there are people who believe your eternal destiny is determined by deeds done here on earth. I heard about a person who said, “My greatest fear in life is that I will be standing behind Mother Teresa and I’ll hear God say to her: ‘You know, Mother Teresa, you should have done more.’ ” What an atrocious idea! It is not only scripturally incorrect, but it makes us all competitors trying to outdo each other and accomplish our own salvation. On the contrary, going to heaven is a matter of humble acceptance. Like the man with a fractured foot, we acknowledge our utter helplessness and humbly turn ourselves over to the One who can truly help us and save us. Karl Barth, the Swiss Reformed theologian, once said that whenever we speak of our virtues and achievements we are mere competitors. When, however, we confess our sins, we are brothers and sisters.

Not a future concern, but a confession today. A final observation is that going to heaven is not a matter of future concern, but confession today. The Bible says, “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Far too many people go through life hoping, wishing, and wondering if they will make it to heaven. What kind of freedom is there to live captive to our fear? The issue may be settled today. Your wishes and hopes about heaven can be turned into realities.

You might be asking how? Simply, by praying a prayer similar to the following, sincerely and from the heart:

Lord, I know I am a sinner. I cannot save myself, and I’m tired of trying. From now on, I’m going to trust You to be my Savior and Lord and do in me and through me what I cannot do for myself. Thank You for giving Your life to me. Help me as I begin living my life for You. Draw me closer to You day by day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have never prayed such a prayer before, do so now, it is certainly not too late. Then, find a local church that teaches the truth of the Bible. Then you will continue to learn as the Holy Spirit within you opens your heart and mind and you will begin living for Christ with the lessons you are learning and the leading of Christ’s Spirit.

So, do you now know what will happen if you pray that prayer and trust your life and future to Jesus Christ? You’ll settle the question of going to heaven once and for all and that assurance will energize your spiritual life and it will make an impact on those around you.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, ESV © 2016 by Crossway Bibles.
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