True Religion

“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him." - Matthew 21:29-32

One who said he would but didn't and the other said he would not but did. Which one went to heaven? It takes more than having a right attitude or good works. It requires faith in Jesus. We cannot wish or hope anyone into heaven.

"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6

There are many who believe there is more than one path to get to heaven. That is not what the Bible says. There are some who believe that trying to be good is enough to not go to hell. That is not what the Bible says. It is in the sinful nature of mankind that believes there must be another way - that, like in the Garden, "God didn't really say .... " Uh, yes, He did!

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9

That doesn't leave much room for interpretation. There is only one choice. Martie and I have been watching a show on British television called the Repair Shop. So many people come in to have heirlooms repaired because of the memories that they bring to mind. So many people are obviously blessed by the repairs. Very emotional on the part of the owners and the ones who do the repair. 

One thing I hear very often is "If they are looking down, they will be so pleased." Meaning that they have an idea that the relatives who have passed are watching from heaven. It caused me to wonder why those left behind imagine they are in heaven. Is it that they believe that anyone who passes goes to heaven. John 14:6 says that is not so. Do they believe that if they are Christians that they are watching those left behind and would actually care that the chair just repaired is now fixed? I can't find that in the Bible. Most likely, they are looking for consolation from the loss of someone they loved, and it helps to imagine that they are indeed looking down and are pleased. It is a sobering thought that people we love have passed and were not saved.

"The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."  -1 John 2:17

We have a tendency to project what life is like on this planet onto what we imagine life will be like in heaven. The Bible gives us glimpses but not a clear picture. Whatever it is, I believe that it will be different. But this I am certain, "It will be good!" Really good!

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone