ALMOST HEAVEN

Sometimes we think we have arrived to a place we consider “almost heaven” when we are on vacation or when we have retreated to our favorite spot on a day off. But no place on earth, no matter how beautiful, no matter how peaceful will ever quite compare with God’s heaven that He is preparing for all those who love Him.

Consider the wonderful reality that God loves you. In fact He loves everyone because He made all mankind and man is the crowning of His creation. He revealed His love in such verses as John 3:16, “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.” (John 3:16 NIV).

But if God loves us, then why doesn’t everyone know Him and experience fellowship with Him? The answer is found in one word…sin. Through rebellion, mankind has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Sin separates us from God because God is holy. Our sins have offended his holiness and perfection and we cannot dwell in His presence in such a condition. (See Isaiah 59:2).

What, then, can be done? How can anyone be restored to a condition of fellowship with God? How can anyone expect to go to heaven and be able to dwell with God there? Humanly, it is impossible. But God was not content to leave man hopelessly lost. Instead, God made a provision- a way- by which we could be brought back into harmony with Him. He gave His only Son as the way for our salvation. Jesus “…died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, …was buried, [and]…was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (I Cor. 15:3-4 NIV). Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except he come through Me.” (John 14:6). How does one do that? The Apostle Paul helps us with that when he says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31). The Apostle John further states, “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God…” (John 1:12 NIV). “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23).

Are you interested? Would you like to be sure of arriving in heaven? Would you like a life with purpose now? He waits for you to pray, confessing your sin, acknowledging Him as your Savior and Lord and inviting Him by faith to come into your life. What counts is the genuineness of your heart. If you need help with words here is a simple prayer after which you can model yours:

Dear God, Thank you for loving me and sending your Son Jesus for me. But I know I am a sinner separated from You. Yet You proved Your love for me when Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I confess my sin to You now and accept you as my Lord and Savior. I invite you to come into my life and make me Your child. Help me daily to turn from sin and to walk with You through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for giving to me the gift of eternal life, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, I pray. Amen.

Please contact us if you would like more information concerning salvation or if you have made the decision to receive Christ as a result of reading this.