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Important Answers |
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When we are asked if we know something for certain, our usual response is "I think so or I hope so." There is usually a degree of uncertainty in most answers. There is one question in life that every person must answer. Some answer it with certainty, some with hope, and others with doubt. This question and its answer reveals a host of information about the respondent. What is the question? If God asked you today, "Why should I let you into My heaven?"
What would be your reply?
You can know for certain how to answer such a question. Will you give me a few minutes of your time to learn the answer to this question?
The Bible says, "By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8,9) Why can't a person earn his or her way to heaven? Because all humans are sinners, for "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
Sin is transgression against God's law. Lying, cheating, stealing, lusting, adultery, etc. are violations of God's perfect standard. Because humans fall short of this standard and can never achieve it, we cannot save ourselves and enter heaven on our own. Left in this miserable state, humans would have no hope and would face a horrible destiny paying for all the transgressions committed in life. But God is merciful. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that who ever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
God has a wonderful plan. He took the penalty for your sins and laid it upon the person of Jesus Christ. The debt was paid by Him on the cross. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6 Your sin was imputed to Him and when you believe, His righteousness is imputed to you. What a deal! I trade my sin to Him for His righteousness! It sounds as though Jesus was the loser? Jesus made that great sacrifice because He loves you and wants you to spend eternity in heaven rather than hell.
This gift must be received by faith. Faith is more than believing that something happened or that Jesus Christ once walked this earth. There are two things that some people mistake for saving faith: First, there is intellectual assent. This pseudo faith is a mental exercise in historical facts, such as believing that Plato and Aristotle existed. Secondly, there is temporary faith or a belief out of desperation. God is considered to be the heavenly 911 operator. Neither one of these faiths will open the door to heaven.
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