I was pondering the various attitudes that are prevalent in our modern society concerning the existence of humanity beyond death. There are many who firmly believe that this life is all there is; that once you depart from this life it is all over. They typically have the view that "you only go around once, so you might as well live it up. Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we may die." I will agree that we do not know when our time will come. In fact, we may not even make until tomorrow. We have already experienced the last sunrise that we are guaranteed in this life. James 4:14 - Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Then there are those who embrace the notion of some sort of existence beyond the grave. They seem to have reconciled belief in a "higher being" and are seeking to find that end. Many of these view the path to life beyond the grave accessible through many different avenues. They would argue that folks may be on different paths, but believe that we will all end up at the grand and mystic Utopia in the sky, received on our merit and commitment rather than a particular course for eternal life. They say "it doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you believe; just serve God in whatever form or essence you choose."
Then there are those who have embraced TRUTH. John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Here Jesus reveals the exclusive way of salvation and inheriting eternal life. I will unapologetically say that Jesus isn't a good way of obtaining salvation and eternal life. In fact, He is not the best way to receive salvation. If He were a good way, or even the best way, that would imply, although inferior, and alternative means of salvation. Jesus is the only way of salvation and assurance of eternal life. No one can approach God the Father, receive forgiveness of sin, or be granted access into heaven apart from the saving grace of Jesus. He is THE Way, the only way!
I pray you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. I trust He isn't someone you have just heard about or read about in the Bible, but someone you have met personally. We are dealing with an epidemic in the modern church. We have become so consumed with producing numbers that we have cheapened the salvation experience. Many today are encouraged to repeat a prayer at the close of a service and come forward for baptism, and then they are assured that they have done all that is necessary to receive salvation. I am not taking away from the faith that we need to show in the Lord or coming unto the Lord in a repentant attitude through prayer. However, there has to be conviction of sin and the drawing of the Holy Spirit. Simply repeating words offered as a supposed prayer will not produce salvation. There has to be a sense of one's need for Christ and the acceptance of His finished work on Calvary's cross. If these were not present, then one may have repeated words, but I seriously doubt there was real conversion. If the Lord has brought you to a place of conviction, realizing your need for salvation, you will know. You will sense your separation from a holy God and desire to draw nigh to Him through repentance and a genuine desire for a relationship with Christ.
There are not many ways as many assume, but One way, by and through the Lord Jesus Christ. We are not saved based on our merit or worthiness, but through the grace of God to those who are undeserving. Ephesians 2:8-10 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Preacher Chris
Then there are those who embrace the notion of some sort of existence beyond the grave. They seem to have reconciled belief in a "higher being" and are seeking to find that end. Many of these view the path to life beyond the grave accessible through many different avenues. They would argue that folks may be on different paths, but believe that we will all end up at the grand and mystic Utopia in the sky, received on our merit and commitment rather than a particular course for eternal life. They say "it doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you believe; just serve God in whatever form or essence you choose."
Then there are those who have embraced TRUTH. John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Here Jesus reveals the exclusive way of salvation and inheriting eternal life. I will unapologetically say that Jesus isn't a good way of obtaining salvation and eternal life. In fact, He is not the best way to receive salvation. If He were a good way, or even the best way, that would imply, although inferior, and alternative means of salvation. Jesus is the only way of salvation and assurance of eternal life. No one can approach God the Father, receive forgiveness of sin, or be granted access into heaven apart from the saving grace of Jesus. He is THE Way, the only way!
I pray you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. I trust He isn't someone you have just heard about or read about in the Bible, but someone you have met personally. We are dealing with an epidemic in the modern church. We have become so consumed with producing numbers that we have cheapened the salvation experience. Many today are encouraged to repeat a prayer at the close of a service and come forward for baptism, and then they are assured that they have done all that is necessary to receive salvation. I am not taking away from the faith that we need to show in the Lord or coming unto the Lord in a repentant attitude through prayer. However, there has to be conviction of sin and the drawing of the Holy Spirit. Simply repeating words offered as a supposed prayer will not produce salvation. There has to be a sense of one's need for Christ and the acceptance of His finished work on Calvary's cross. If these were not present, then one may have repeated words, but I seriously doubt there was real conversion. If the Lord has brought you to a place of conviction, realizing your need for salvation, you will know. You will sense your separation from a holy God and desire to draw nigh to Him through repentance and a genuine desire for a relationship with Christ.
There are not many ways as many assume, but One way, by and through the Lord Jesus Christ. We are not saved based on our merit or worthiness, but through the grace of God to those who are undeserving. Ephesians 2:8-10 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Preacher Chris
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