"Is this all there is?"
This may be the most important question you will ever ask, and if you've ever asked yourself that question, you're not alone. The truth is, there is an amazing future after this life that is available to everyone. That future is in a real place called heaven, and God desires each of us to live there forever. How is that possible?
The answer is surprisingly easy - heaven is a free gift from God, all we have to do is accept it through faith.
Many people have the wrong idea - that we have to earn our way to heaven. The common misconception is that as long as we are good enough and behave ourselves, then God will let us in. Think about it...if heaven is a perfect place, then we have to be perfect to get in. Is there anyone who is perfect? No. Therefore logic dictates that no one would be in heaven. No, just being a good person is not the way.
God, however, is perfect. He has perfect love, which means He wants everyone to be with Him in heaven. But He is also perfectly fair, which means no one would be in heaven. God solved this apparent conflict through His son, Jesus.
Jesus was all man, and at the same time all God. God's fairness dictated that there had to be a penalty for our sins, but God's love was so incredible that He actually sent His son to take the punishment that we deserve. This happened on the cross. An amazing verse from the Bible explains this: "But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him - our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed. We’re all like sheep who’ve wandered off and gotten lost. We’ve all done our own thing, gone our own way. And God has piled all our sins, everything we’ve done wrong, on him, on him." *
Because the penalty for our sins was paid by Jesus, then we are free and clear to enter into heaven. All we have to do is to believe and accept that Jesus is God's son and died for our sins. This famous verse from the Bible sums it all up: "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." **
You can recieve the gift of eternal life right now by honestly praying to God. Here is a suggestion of what to say to Him: "Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner and do not deserve heaven. I ask You to forgive me of my sins. I believe that You sent Your son Jesus to take the punishment that I deserve, so that I can enter heaven. I now accept Jesus as my personal Savior, saving me from the punishment that I deserve. Through faith, I believe. Thank You!"
As you begin your amazing journey of faith, we encourage you to speak to a pastor and surround yourself with people who can help you continue to move toward Christ. Contact 4CBC - we are ready to help you!
* Isaiah 53:5,6 MSG
** John 3:16 NIV
