By Tom Shanklin

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17, KJV).

God wants you to be in heaven with Him!

Some folks have the idea that God is so mean, He’s just sitting up in heaven waiting for the least excuse to club you over the head and send you to the lake of fire.

No, that’s not our God. God is love.

Now understand, however, God is not only love, but God is holy. He will not tolerate sin in heaven. . . not the least little bit.

That’s where the the problem is: God cannot tolerate sin, and yet “. . .all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, KJV).

The scripture goes on to say: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, KJV). You see, every one of us have a problem. It’s separation from God and the resulting eternal judgment. Without Jesus Christ we would have to live (or we should say) die with this problem and spend eternity in the realm of the damned.

The Bible says that God so loved the world that he gave His son . . . It says He sent His son to save. . . not to condemn the world.

Hallelujah! Good news! Jesus Christ is the answer to man’s dilemma. Without Him we’re lost and without hope. But because of Him we can be saved, delivered and brought into the family of God. When Christ died on the cross of Calvary, he died for you and for me, that all our sins might be forgiven and that the way might be made for us to enter into eternal life. The scripture tells us that he died for the sins of the whole world. That’s everyone. No one is excluded from this grace and from God’s plan. “The gift of God is eternal life. . .”

Now one thing remains. . . that is. . . we must receive the gift. Not everyone is saved, even though the provision has been made for everyone’s salvation.

You see, the price has been paid (the precious blood of Christ) and it’s God’s will that everyone be saved. The scripture says that God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9b, KJV).

Understand this, God is not looking for an excuse to send you to hell. He already has total justification for sending each one of us into eternal punishment. He doesn’t need an excuse. No, rather, He’s looking for an excuse to bring you to heaven.

He’s looking for a way to make you right with him. . .to change you from and enemy to a friend of God. You may have thought: “Oh, I’m a good person. God would never send me to hell.” But the scripture clearly says, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” Without Christ, you’re doomed to destruction and hopelessly lost.

But God says, “Ok, now I’ll make a way for you to come to me. I’ll send my Son to die for your sins, and if you’ll receive Him as a Lord and Savior, I’ll place your life “in Him” and I’ll no longer recognize your sins and unrighteousness. I’ll see you as righteous through my Son and I’ll give you a new nature. I’ll make you a new creation.”

God has done His part. Now you must do your part. Please don’t think that church membership, baptism, confirmation, communion, good deeds or shaking a preacher’s hand will get you into heaven.

No, there is only one way. His name is Jesus. (John 14:6) And there is only one thing that you can do to be accepted by God, and that’s receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord. God raised Jesus from the dead and gave Him to be Lord of all creation. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John 1:12, KJV).

Many people from all denominations and walks of life have found peace with God and knowledge in their heart that their sins are forgiven by praying a simple prayer from the heart and accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. He said “whosoever believeth in Him should not perish.” Put your faith in the crucified Christ and by an act of your will let the risen Christ rule and reign in your heart. Turn away from sin and say these words from your heart and with your mouth:

“Dear God. I know without Christ I’m lost. My church can’t save me. My minister can’t save me. My good works can’t save me. But you have given me a gift of life through Jesus Christ. Therefore, by an act of my will and with faith in my heart, I receive Jesus Christ as my Savior and my Lord. I believe now that you accept me as your very own child and that all my sins are forgiven, in Jesus name. Amen.”

I encourage you to find a strong local church where the Bible is taught. I would also like to a message I’ve written entitled “Getting Started Right: First Steps in the Christian Life.” Click here to read it.

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