The most important question in life
There are many questions and issues that we will encounter in this life. But without doubt the most important one of all is, “Where am I going to go when I leave this life for the next one?” Get that wrong and nothing else matters. And there are millions of people getting it wrong.
But there is no need to, for God has made the way of salvation crystal clear in the Bible:
First I must understand that salvation is a free gift obtainable solely by grace alone. There are a couple of reasons for that:
Number one, you and I are sinners. Sin simply means to miss the mark. God’s standard is perfection. Unfortunately, not only are we not perfect, we’re not even close: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
In fact the Bible says that even our “good” deeds fall short in God’s sight: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags…” (Isaiah 64:6)
That being the case, there is no way we are ever going to work our way to heaven by our own efforts, good deeds, church attendance, baptism or any other effort on our part! The Bible says, “for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Gal. 2:16c)
Furthermore, God is perfectly holy and heaven is a perfect place… so only perfect people will get there–but you and I are far from it! And no, when we die God will not just say, “Well, boys will be boys, come on in.” On the contrary, the Bible says that God “will by no means clear the guilty.” (Num. 14:18)
So because of our sin we are under the penalty for it: death and eternal separation from God forever in hell. “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23)
At this point you may be sarcastically saying, “Thanks for the good news.”
But actually I do have good news for you. In fact it’s great news!
While we were in that hopeless situation, God in His mercy sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this earth to live the perfect life you and I could not live. Then Christ went way beyond that and allowed man, whom He gave life to, to kill Him!
The reason? To pay the penalty for our sins in our place! The Bible declares: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Then Jesus Christ rose from the dead, which was God’s stamp of approval that He accepted Christ’s sacrifice for our sins.
Right now you’re probably thinking, “Great, I’m all set.”
Not quite.
Yes, God in His infinite love has made a way for our sins to be forgiven through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. And yes, the Bible says that God offers His forgiveness and salvation freely.
But like all gifts, it’s not yours until you accept it: The Bible says; “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord… That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in thy heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” (Romans 6:23 & 10:9).
And… you must be willing to turn from your sins. Jesus Himself said, “Except you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Lk. 13:3, 5) So repentance is not optional. It’s required! But it’s not something you “do” like counting beads or going to church more often. Rather, it means “to turn” i.e. do a 180.
You see, when you truly come to Christ for salvation you choose to quit running your own life and let Him take total control. You ask Him to be your Lord as well as your Savior.
So it’s a free gift, but it will cost you everything. But trust me… it’s worth it!
So how about you? You’re going to live somewhere forever. Why not repent of your sins and come to Christ today. You’ll never, ever regret it. You don’t want to make a mistake on this one.
Jesus said: “He that comes to Me I’ll never cast out.” (John 6:37b)
The promise of Scripture is, “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)