This post has been on my mind for some time, and I have hesitated to write it. However, my mind won’t rest until I do. I am concerned about folks who apparently believe God will honor their “being good enough” to take them to heaven when they die. I know God is the judge, but according to His Word, one can only attain heaven by accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and faithfully following His commands.
Jesus, himself, said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). When Peter and John had been put in prison because they were teaching the people about the resurrected Jesus, Peter boldly declared, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
These verses make it clear that Jesus is the One Who saves us. On the day of Pentecost when the Church began, the Apostles were waiting in Jerusalem, as Jesus had instructed them. They experienced the visible coming of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to speak in the languages of the many people who had gathered there for the celebration of Pentecost.
Peter stood to explain to the people why this was happening. He reminded them of what the prophets had told about the coming of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Peter also went on to tell the people they were the ones who had crucified Jesus (with the help of wicked men). But God had raised Him from the dead and made “Jesus, both Lord and Christ.” “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” (Acts 2:37).
Peter’s answer: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:38-39).
All through the book of Acts we see the same pattern. Believers being baptized (immersed) in water in order to have sins forgiven. They didn’t say a prayer or raise their hand in a church service. They responded in obedience and submission to the Savior’s free offer of salvation by repenting of sin and being baptized.
My friend, if you have not accepted this free gift of salvation, I beg you not to put it off. We don’t know when we will live our last day on earth, or when the Lord will return as He promised. I pray you are ready.
“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).
Encouragement for Life 
Leave a comment