God bless America!
God bless America!
When most people are asked this question, the answer is usually "I hope I'm going to heaven". There is a definite uncertainty about their answer. Most people view themselves as pretty good people, but, somehow, are not sure whether they will make it into heaven. Perhaps they are not sure whether they've done enough "good works" to earn their way into heaven. Maybe they go to church every week, but know they're not perfect, and so, are not sure whether God will let them into heaven.
THERE IS A WAY TO KNOW FOR SURE!
Can a person ever be "good enough" to get into heaven? Is there any one who has never offended God? Mother Theresa? I'll bet she did at least one thing that was not pleasing to God. Maybe she told a lie when she was a child. Maybe she thought ill of someone before she became the saintly woman we all knew. If so, she is in the same boat we are in. But she is not the standard to which we should look. God is the standard, and He is perfect, without any sin. So we all have offended an infinite and perfect God. And that separates us form Him. How can we possibly make that up to Him. How can we ever be "good enough"?
THERE IS A WAY!
The only way to close the gap between God and us is to be able to perform an act of perfect and infinite atonement. But we are human - far form perfect or infinite. We are doomed if we expect to reconcile ourselves to God on our own. No matter how many "good works" we do, it will never be enough. But -
WE ARE NOT DOOMED!
The act needed to set us right with God can only be that which is perfect and infinite. Since humans are not perfect or infinite, they can not atone for their sins. But God, because He loves us so much, has provided a way. His name is Jesus. He is the Son of God. He is God, himself. I do not understand that exactly, but then again, I'm only human. How can I expect to understand a perfect and infinite God? Well, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. God said that Jesus is the only way to Him. Jesus made the sacrifice on the cross whereby we can all be saved. But we each need to do something as well.
THERE IS A WAY!
The first step to reconciling with God is to admit that one needs it. We must say that we have offended an infinite, just, loving God. That is a real act of humility. If we can not come to God in a humble way, we are lost. So, admit your sin in a humble and contrite way. Then all you need to do is ask Jesus to come into your life and your heart and take charge. If you are honest, He will do it and you will be saved. It really is that simple. You can not do anything yourself to save yourself, but God, through Jesus, has made it as simple as possible. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross has done what you could never have done.
REJOICE AND BE GLAD!
Things in your life will change. You'll want to learn as much as you can about Jesus. You can read all about Him in the bible. You'll want to rid yourself of your bad habits. Jesus can give you the grace you'll need to do that. You will become a new creature.
ENJOY YOUR NEW LIFE!
Yes! We all need help trying to be the kind of person Jesus wants us to be. But, again, He has not left us to fend for ourselves. He established a Church here on earth. It has many facets, but one of them is right for you. He will lead you to the right one. Just make sure that the one you choose preaches from the bible and exalts the name of Jesus. It must be uncompromising with regard to the word of God. It can not pick and choose the parts it likes and dislikes. It must take it all and not be afraid to preach it all, no matter how unpopular the message might be. We all need the strength, encouragement and committment of a body dedicated to serving Jesus. Sure, we'll have difficulties, but the body will build us up and help us through the difficult times.
WELCOME TO THE FOLD!
