God's Promise . . .

It has been said that for those who do sincerely believe and trust in Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha'Mashiach in Hebrew), this short (trouble filled) life on Earth will be the closest thing to Hell we will ever experience.  But for those who don’t sincerely believe and trust in Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha'Mashiach in Hebrew), this short life on Earth will be the closest thing to Heaven . . .  

Jesus died rejected and alone on the Cross.  The Bible, God’s Word, tells us that it was not the nails which were driven through His hands and feet that kept Jesus on the Cross, it was His love for you.  He willingly and lovingly took the penalty and punishment for all of your sins.  Each and every one of them, regardless how big or how small.  Your debt paid in full, by Him.  Through God’s grace, you simply need to believe it and accept it.  It is free to everybody.  It is available to everybody.  But, God has given each of us the free will to make our own choice.  We must choose to believe it.  We must choose to accept it.  It has to be a conscious decision made by each of us at some point in our life.  If, through prayer, we sincerely admit or confess that we have sinned, ask for God’s forgiveness, and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and His death on the Cross as payment for our sins, regardless of how bad our sins are or how often we have sinned or how long it has been since we have asked for God’s forgiveness (a simple, short prayer) and sincerely believe these things (proving it by honestly trying to stop doing and saying those things the Bible says are wrong), it is not only His Word and Promise that all of our sins will be forgiven and completely forgotten, but God tells us that it is the only way we can be forgiven and enter into His Kingdom  of Heaven.  He will forgive our failures.  He has compassion . . .

He will help us change when we need to change, He will help us be strong when we need to be strong, and He will be there to help and comfort us through each of life’s battles . . . if we ask Him.

The Bible tells us every man and woman on Earth is already condemned to Hell - "the second death."  We are told the execution of this judgment will take place after this body dies . . .

God tells us there is an escape for every man, woman, boy, and girl in the world who will simply accept it.  It is this death (in Hell) that Jesus lovingly stepped forth from Heaven to save us from . . .

God has gone to extraordinary lengths and pain to provide a narrow path of escape from the utter darkness and torments of Hell.   Jesus completed all of the work for us.   He was the only one who has ever loved you (and me) enough to  substitute Himself for you (and me) on the Cross.  He suffered and died on the Cross to save you from the torments and darkness of Hell ...  if you will accept it.  That is why He is called "Savior."  We cannot enter Heaven because of the good deeds we have done or think that we have done.  We cannot enter Heaven because we were baptized as a baby or were confirmed into a church.  There is no other person here on Earth, regardless of their title or position who can save us, and there is no ritual or donation of money that can provide entrance into Heaven, or provide an escape from the alternative.  The gospel (good news) is that if we simply believe in our hearts that Jesus is died for all of our sins, and that He was buried, then rose again the third day, and ask Him to come into our life as Lord and Savior . . . then, our life after death is certain.  For if we acknowledge Him as King, we shall enter into His Kingdom.  If we deny Him as King, we shall be denied entrance into the Kingdom  . . .  the Kingdom of Heaven.  There is life after death.  An eternal life beyond anything we can ever imagine . . . it’s God’s Promise!

It is simply our faith in Jesus Christ.  A faith that believes only His blood on the Cross can wash us clean of all our sins . . .

The "all roads and religions lead to heaven" or "I’ve been a good person, so I’ll go to Heaven" philosophies are wrong and deadly.  Three times Jesus prayed in the garden just before His Crucifixion, "If it is possible [if there is any other way], then let this cup [death on the Cross] pass from Me."  Jesus said, "No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).  Jesus Christ stepped forth from Eternity to provide us with a way, the only Way into His Kingdom of Heaven.  He knew what was about to happen to Him when He prayed in the Garden.  If there was any other way into Heaven, then Jesus didn’t have to die on the Cross.  You see it has nothing to do with how good we are (or think we are), for we are all saved through His righteousness, not ours.  This is the precious gift God offers to us - eternal life in Heaven.  We can’t buy it, and we can’t earn it.  "Grace" means His gift is already paid for.

The Bible tells us God loves each of us.  A love so deep that He even allowed (and watched) His Son, sent forth from Heaven, willingly suffer and die for us (through a single act of love for us that is beyond our ability to fully comprehend), so that any who believe in Him will not perish in Hell, but will enter into His Kingdom of Heaven and share in the richness of His inheritance.  He has given each of us the freedom to choose whether or not to believe his offer and then whether or not to accept His offer.  His desire is that all would accept, in faith.  That is why He made it so simple (too simple for some) and why it is based on His grace and not our "goodness," lest we should start acting a little "puffed up" and arrogant.  All we have to do is believe it and accept it.  If we sincerely ask Jesus into our lives, He will do the rest.

This short period of time which we have on Earth simply gives us the time to choose our own destiny. Where we will go after this body dies is our choice.  The moment our soul or spirit is released we will be both conscious and aware of the decision we made, or didn’t make.  God freely offers each of us a gift of life in Heaven.  Our acceptance of His offer, through Christ, comes through faith . . .

               "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus ...

                There is neither Jew nor Greek [non-Jew], slave nor free, male nor female,

                for you are all one in Christ Jesus"

                (Gal 3:26,28). 

So, no matter who we are or what we are, the Bible says our path to Heaven is all the same.  We are saved from Hell through our love for God and faith in Christ Jesus.

Our perception of God and Heaven may now seem a little hazy, but then (as soon as this body dies) we will see everything clearly.  We’re told nobody on Earth will fully understand all these things.  As the Apostle Paul tells us we will not see clearly until after this body dies . . . 

               "For now we see as through a glass, darkly,

                but then [after we die] face to face . . ."

                (1 Cor 13:12).

If you sincerely ask Jesus into your life He will reveal Himself to you and will warmly welcome you into His Kingdom of Heaven.  A Kingdom so beyond our ability to comprehend that Paul tells us there are no human words that can describe its peace and beauty . . .

               "No eye has seen, nor ear heard,

                nor have entered into the heart [or even the imagination] of man

                the things which God has prepared [in Heaven]

                for those who love Him."

                (1 Cor 2:9)

The Apostle Paul was willing to endure terrible pain and suffering as he looked ahead to the life in Heaven God has promised and prepared for all who love Him . . .

               "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time [in this life]

                are not worthy to be compared with the glory

                which shall be revealed in us [in Heaven]."

                (Rom 8:18)

Most of us have a conception that eternity "is just lots of time."  This concept is wrong.  Eternity in God’s Kingdom of Heaven is disconnected from our physical property of time (a concept that Einstein and modern physics have helped us understand a little).  Heaven will be incredibly beautiful, peaceful, exciting, restful, never ending . . . and never boring!  The Bible reveals God’s love for each of us, including His gracious offer of citizenship in His Kingdom, as sons and daughters, adopted in grace.  All we have to do is accept His offer, through His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Please remember, God loves you more than words can say.  He knows the pain and heartbreak we feel ... for He has felt it, too.  The Bible says our spirit inside us will someday "groan" to leave this earthly body.  The Bible says clearly there will be difficulties, pain, and suffering in this life, especially for those who sincerely believe in and follow Jesus.  Our real life, in His Kingdom of Heaven, is yet future . . .

               "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

                and if children, then heirs -- heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,

                if indeed we suffer with Him"

                (Rom 8:16)

               "Because narrow is the gate,

                and difficult is the way

                which leads to life [in Heaven],

                and there are few who find it."

                (Matt 7:14)

Jesus is our Hope . . . Although there are times we may feel alone and abandoned, He will never forsake you or leave you.  The Bible says the true child of God will find suffering in this life.  Each of us will have our faith tested.  Jesus waits for us to ask Him into our lives to help, to strengthen, to comfort, and to heal. He lovingly wraps His arms around the lonely and the brokenhearted.  Jesus will never cast away or turn away any man or woman that willingly comes to Him, regardless of how young or how old, or how good or how bad.  Any and all who come to Him with a sincere and humbled heart are welcomed with open arms. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31).  Jesus is God.  He now prepares our place in Heaven where there will be no fear, no worries, no pain, no heartbreak, and no tears.  He will see you through these difficult times.   Trust in Him ... and with open arms and tears of joy He will be there to welcome us into His Kingdom . . . It’s God’s Promise!

Epilogue . . .

The Bible says God cannot lie and that God will never change.  This means all of the promises in the Bible are true and will always be true.  God wants us to know we don’t have to face the pain and sorrows of this life alone.  Many will have a hard time believing God’s promises apply to them because they feel those promises of hope must be for somebody else . . . someone who is better, or more righteous in God’s eyes.  Please take heart, for the Bible says nobody is righteous in God’s eyes, except Jesus Christ.  It is His shed blood that washes us clean from all sin and once we accept Jesus as our Lord and invite Him into our hearts, we are all considered equal in God’s sight, for Christ’s spirit then dwells in us, and through Jesus we now have access to the throne of God.

In God’s eyes there is nobody in this world who is any better than you, or whom He loves any more than you.  No matter what pain, suffering, or distress you are going through, God knows and He cares.  God is in control.   Trust in Him.   Jesus will lead you step by step, moment by moment, and day by day through this life.  It won’t feel easy and the pain is real, but He will bring a peace that is beyond all understanding.  When you come humbly before God honestly seeking Him in prayer, confessing your sins and asking for His mercy and forgiveness, we are told He will lovingly hear your prayers, forgive you immediately, and remember those sins no more.  He promises to reward those who diligently seek Him.  Jesus is now sitting at the right hand of the Father reminding Him that He [Jesus] has already taken the punishment for all of our sins, both old and new.  The rewards for our faith and good works may not be found in this life, but there is the promise of a crown, with great comfort, rest, and peace waiting for us in His Kingdom of Heaven.  So, as you cling to the hope and promises of God to help you and strengthen you through the fierce and bitter storms found in this life, remember . . . God’s Promise is for you!!!

There are some of us (not all) who may be experiencing a difficult trial simply because the Lord wants to get our attention.  Many of us might ignore Him for months or years, feeling "too busy" or content.  Some of us never thank Him for the good things He has placed in our life.  A few of us are living in casual or sinful disobedience, hoping God will ignore it (which He won't).  In some cases, we may be "receiving" a little of what we have been "giving" over the years.  Sadly, God may often see us filled with selfishness and ingratitude.  Through His eyes we are still little children and as any caring parent He would like His children to share their lives with Him.  He wants to know us . . . Jesus says,

       "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven ...

        Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied [taught]

        in your Name, cast out demons in Your Name, and done many wonders in Your name?'

        And then (at the judgment), I will declare to them

        'I never knew you ... depart from Me  [departing from Heaven, into Hell]

        you who practice lawlessness ..."

       [Lawlessness means willfully doing or approving of things that contradict the Bible]

        (Matt 7:21-23  NKJ)

The Lord wants to spend time with us (through prayer), both when we need His help and when things are in our lives seem to be okay.  As a loving Father He will discipline us for disobedience and will train us (through His word) in those ways which are good . . .

Our Father in Heaven is the perfect Father.  There is a purpose behind every trial in the life of the believer, but we may never know what it is until we get to Heaven.  Regardless of the circumstances behind the fiery trial you may be going through right now, He cares for you very much.  The sincere Christian who faithfully and obediently endures the pain, the suffering, the sorrow, and the grief found in this life will receive a far greater reward of peace, contentment, and rest in His Kingdom of Heaven.  Our time on Earth is short, but the Promise and the rewards for our endurance, patience, faithfulness, love, unselfishness, and obedience will last forever . . . 

         "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,

           that whoever believes in Him should not perish [in Hell]

          but have everlasting life [in Heaven]

          For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,

          but that the world through Him might be saved.

          He who [sincerely] believes in Him is not condemned [to Hell];

          but he who does not believe is condemned [to Hell] already"

          (John 3:16)

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