“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)
With Christmas just a couple weeks away, I’ve been contemplating eternal matters. I’d like to share two different true stories that I experienced a few years ago. They are similar stories but have different endings. Both accounts involve funerals. One involved someone I’d never met, the other a dear friend.
The first account was related to me through a friend who had attended a co-worker’s funeral. It turns out that the deceased man was told by his spiritual leaders as he lay on his deathbed, “You have done enough good works to go to heaven. You are ready to die.” They shared this at the man’s memorial service.
The second story involved a member of our church, a dear friend of mine who also died. As I visited with him in the hospital, we talked of eternity. Along with that, we discussed healing and being with Jesus. After I prayed for him, we both rejoiced in the fact that he would be in heaven someday soon. However, it wouldn’t be because of any good works he had done (he had been sick and practically bedridden for 22 years)! No, we talked about the mercy of Jesus Christ, our Savior, and the blood He shed for our sins. We also rejoiced that he had placed his faith in Jesus many years ago. Equally important, because of Christ’s sacrificial payment, he would be with God in heaven for all eternity. What is more, it would be apart from any good works he’d done.
Which Is True?
Yes, two stories with two conclusions. Yet, they are very different endings. How can we know which is true?
I believe the Bible is very clear on this. God certainly wants us to have hope. But hope is based on truth. The Bible says:
- “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” (Titus 3:4-5b NIV84)
- “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:5-7 NIV84)
Heaven is not something we earn. Salvation is always a gift of God freely given to those who repent, humble themselves, and receive it. Have you made the right choice? Eternity forever depends on it.
Isn’t it good to know the Savior? Isn’t it marvelous to know you can KNOW you can have eternal life?
Resting in our Savior’s finished work,
PS Click here to find out more about how you can know for sure you are going to heaven.
Posted in A Word from the Pastor