August 6: Who's Going to Heaven?

“The Bible is garbage. There is no heaven or hell, it’s all just the figment of the imagination of self-righteous Christians.” ~ (Daniel R., age 22, in a recent conversation)

“There are some who believe there is no such thing as heaven, and there are people on the other end of the spectrum that think everyone is going.” ~ (My friend Rick K., age 24, during same conversation)
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John Newton (1725-1807), the author of the famous hymn, "Amazing Grace," and the subject of a current running movie by that title, once said:
“If ever I reach heaven I expect to find three wonders there: first, to meet some I had not thought to see there; second, to miss some I had expected to see there; and third -- the greatest wonder of all -- to find myself there."

He captures something of the wide sweep of God's grace. You can be certain that God's grace will reach farther that yours or mine would. Newton also taps into the idea that we’ll be surprised over those we would expect to see there but don't.

“Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" (words of Jesus, recorded in Matthew 7:21-23)

These are the good people who trust in their relative goodness rather than in God's grace. They may be in church every time the doors are open, hoping God notices how good they are, playing the church game, yet never meeting Jesus.

Mr. Newton's astonishment of finding himself included is beautiful. That's grace: If there is anyone who doesn't deserve to be in heaven, it is me. If God can include me, knowing my own struggle with sin, then anyone has a shot…anyone who puts their trust in Christ, in God’s grace.

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

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, all things have become new! All this is from God, who was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)

In heaven an enormous crowd of people from “every race, tribe, nation, and language” will one day stand before Jesus Christ to worship him (see Philippians 2). To make the most of your time on earth, we can shift our thinking from the ‘here and now’ and maintain an eternal perspective.

“We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)

So much of what we waste our energy on will not matter even a year from now, much less for eternity. Don’t trade your life for temporary things.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 6:19-21)

You’ve probably heard the expression -- “You can’t take it with you”—but the Bible says you can send it on ahead, by investing in people!

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a life that truly is LIFE down here as well.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

God loves everybody…heaven is for those who love Him back; but you can’t say you love God and yet reject His Son. It all comes down to this question:

“What will you do with Jesus?”
"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)