Do you know Jesus?  Are you quick to answer that question?  What prompts rapid response, is it a desire to belong or maybe an unwillingness to exclude yourself from those “sure that they are going to heaven”?  Do you mistakenly believe you are going to wake up in the presence of God because of something you’ve done in this lifetime?  Reflecting on your life, at what point do you believe that you became eligible for eternity?  Was there a collection of sacrificial events or a grand total of some philanthropic gifting which you believe purchased the price of a ticket on the journey to the hereafter?  The fact that you resort to making a list of reasons or rationalize your qualifications, unfortunately makes it transparent that you are heading to an eternity separate from the Lord.  “Man that is harsh”, you say, “how can you be sure of who is going and who isn’t”?  Because I do not possess omniscience I cannot tell you who will be there, but I am “REQUIRED” to tell you the truth about the steps to salvation and none of them include anything that you have done to earn heaven.

Get a bible and look at John 3:16 (arguably the most quoted passage in the Bible) and then take some time to see exactly what it says about eternity or eternal life.  Better yet take a look at John 3:16-19 to see that it gives specific guidelines of what salvation is as well as what brings voluntary damnation upon those unwilling to comply.   For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.  This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 

So I have to ask again my original question, Do you know Jesus?  Do you believe in the WORK THAT HE DID, to redeem you to God?  Do you see where this disqualifies any rationalization or argument for salvation outside of belief in Jesus?  Have you repented of your sin and asked forgiveness of Jesus for the grace bestowed upon you by His work upon the cross?  If you believe in the work of Jesus Christ have you surrendered to Him out of willingness to leave behind your sinful past, so that He may sanctify, purify and utilize You for the Good of His Kingdom?  “Wow, man you really want a lot from me don’t you”?  You must understand, I am trying to save you from a false dedication to the Christian belief.  Don’t profess you are a Christian until you know what that means.  I mean, you wouldn’t call yourself a Democrat unless you knew what that meant, right?  The Lord wants us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.  What does that mean to you?  That we should take it for granted that because we said a simple prayer on one vulnerable day of our lives that this somehow freed you from the obligations of coming to God in humility, trying to understand the gift you were given?  Don’t take this thing lightly, if you are not 100% sure that you are saved, don’t you think it would make sense to seek that surety?

And those of you who have hijacked the Word of God to provide you fame, fortune or standing in the World’s Eyes as you dispense wisdom to the hungry masses.  For shame.  The Word of God is complete, perfect, final and more than adequate to say what must be said to provide the living water to a thirsty world.  In fact, the Lord chose us when He could have as easily made the trees, rocks and wind speak the Gospel.  His Word was not meant to be used to gain any person glory, but to bring that Glory to HIS NAME ALONE.  Those of you who have been given the talent, education, speaking or writing gifts to reach a greater segment of the population, you have a greater challenge to make sure that your own motivations are kept in check when delivering HIS MESSAGE.  It makes me shutter when I think of myself looking in those eyes of fire answering for my actions taken on His behalf.  It is just like the reverent fear you should have when riding a motorcycle, it is often said, “if you aren’t a bit afraid, then you shouldn’t ride”.  Even more so with dispensation of God’s Grace through preaching, teaching and encouragement.

Father, You are the Righteous One.  My works are like filthy rags when done in and of my own authority and accord.  Please let me do those tasks for which You alone have designed and empowered me.  Let me turn away from personal benefit that comes in compensation for delivering the Gospel.  Let me totally understand and discern the difference between an unmuzzled oxen put to plow and a servant who has become manipulative and been led astray by greed or lack of wisdom.  Let me approach you in advance of any work I do for the Kingdom so that I am sure of my motivations and that those intentions serve You alone.  Praise Your Holy Name King Jesus.