" Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. " ( Luke 21:36 )
It was reported that not too long ago, while campaigning for her senate seat in New York, Hillary Clinton was asked this question: " If you were to die right now, where would you go? Would you go to heaven or hell? " She was obviously shaken by the question, and said something about always trying to lead a good life etc. etc.
I am not like the cultists, who would have you believe that it is possible to know absolutely that you are heaven bound, based upon your membership in their church, or having been baptized, or having said a " sinner's prayer ", or having performed a particular act, or having been blessed by a particular church leader, etc. However, I believe that we can say with the apostle Paul, " I...am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed unto Him against that Day. " ( II Timothy 1:12 ) KJV
I use the King James translation here, because it best illustrates the point, which the apostle is trying to make. A committment to Christ is vital. Without that committment, there is no question about where you will go at death. You will literally go to hell, and it won't be a joking matter! What is meant by that committment? You must give up control of your life. You must live each day as He would want you to live. You can only do this if you allow God to change your heart. You must allow God to take all the desires to murder, steal, commit sexual sins,- even the desire to have things that belong to others,- and give you a new heart that wants to worship your Creator, and not the things of His creation, and to treat others as you would like to be treated.
If Christ had not died on that cross for you, there would be no hope of heaven,- no hope of receiving a changed heart. That is the message of the New Convenant ( New Testament ). You don't have to appear at the judgment, and have two mighty angels cast you into the lake of fire!
Notice that in the scripture above, the word Day is capitalized. You will find that in many Bibles. Translators often capitalize " day ", when they recognize that the word is referring to the Day of judgment before almighty God, a day often called the Day of the Lord. Most people in our society have been deceived, or deceived themselves, into believing that there won't be a Day of judgment. But, there will be a judgment Day, and that will be the most important day of your life!
In the front of our house, there is a sign advertising our church, and another sign that lists the Ten Commandments. It is amusing to watch, as people walk by the house. Some even run by, when they see those signs, as if they had seen a lion about to pounce upon them! My friend, stop running from God. Whether you live to see Christ's return, or you die before His return, that Day of judgment will be the most important day of your life. Please, I beg you, ask God, plead with Him, if necessary, to give you the new heart, that will make you ready.
God bless you. Have a great week. We welcome the opportunity to minister to you. If your church, cell group, or Bible study, in Gulf County or Bay County, in the Florida panhandle, needs a Wed. eve. speaker, let us know. Send us an e-mail. We are in your area!
To learn more about Jesus' return, click here: Jesus is Coming Back Soon