Salvation
An Important Question
One of the most important questions a person can ask himself during his time on earth is “If I were to die today, am I 100% sure that I would go to heaven when I die.” Unfortunately, many go their whole lives without ever becoming concerned with the destiny of their eternal soul. But perhaps this does not describe you?
Perhaps, you have pondered the reality of life after death. Perhaps you are convinced that this life just simply cannot be all that there can be to our existence. Unfortunately, many who entertain these thoughts never allow them to transform from simple questions to life-change pursuits of truth.
But what is truth? In today’s world, truth is often considered relative, and it can be whatever we want it to be. Such a philosophy often results in confusion and chaos, as represented by the state of the world all around us. But truth cannot be relative, can it? Does not everything about our existence lead us to conclude that truth must be grounded in some authority higher than our own selves? But where do we look for that authority? Who or what has such a right to determine the basis for truth?
Go to the Source
Such authority would naturally be derived from being source of that truth; that is, being the creator of the reality in which one is questioning truth. What we’re talking about is a source of life and truth beyond the existence in which we find ourselves.
This can be a depressing idea: if such authority can only be possessed by an entity outside of this reality in which we grapple with truth, how are we ever to be able to encounter this authority? What if this knowledge is and remains hidden to us, dooming us to never having our question about truth answered? This is a depressing thought; fortunately, it is also an unnecessary thought.
The Source of Truth Revealed
Over 2,000 years ago, the Creator God revealed Himself to mankind in the form of Jesus Christ. This Source of Truth became flesh, dwelling among us, and we are told he was “full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) If you truly desire to know the difference between what is true and what is false, you must look no further than the Person of Jesus Christ.
During his brief time on earth, Jesus had an interaction with none other than Satan himself; Satan thought to cripple Jesus with temptations that would deter any ordinary man from a higher purpose. But during this time of struggle with Satan, Jesus proved He was no ordinary man.
During this struggle, the God-man repeatedly pointed to what was His source of truth, and what is to be the source of truth for all mankind: the Holy Scriptures. Each time he was confronted with a challenge to truth, Jesus responded with, “It is written.” Satan’s falsehoods had no authority compared to the authority of what the Bible says.
Why would a Creator God point to a book as the source of truth? Was it not written by men, members of the very group now questioning and distorting truth to fit their own agenda? If Jesus was truly Creator God, would not His own words be more authoritative than the words of men?
Yes, and Yes!
The Source’s Source of Truth
Anything written by man that contradicts the perfection of the Creator God must be untrue. Man is an imperfect being, and therefore every idea that finds its source in man is worthy of skepticism…every letter, every article, every volume, and, yes, every holy book. So how can Christianity’s holy book not be handled with skepticism, unless it was not truly written by man?
When Jesus referred to the Scriptures as authoritative, He was giving a nod to the truth that the Scriptures claimed for themselves: the author of the Scriptures is not man, but rather the Creator God Himself! In fact, in a conversation recorded between Jesus and God the Father, he states as clearly as possible “Thy Word is Truth!” (John 17:17)
At a time when appeals to truth are founded in nothing more than each man’s own perspective, the Bible stands as the true authority on all things that pertain to life and truth!
What do the Scriptures Have to Say about Me and the Afterlife?
Realize Everyone is a Sinner
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23}
No one is good enough to go to Heaven on his own merit. No matter how much good we do, we still fall short.
Realize the Penalty For Sin
For the wages of sin is death.(Romans 6:23) Just as there are wages for good, there is punishment for wrong. The penalty for our sin is eternal death in a place called Hell.
Believe Christ Died for You
But God commendeth His love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Christ’s great love for us was shown when He died on the cross to pay our debt.
Trust Christ Alone as Your Savior
But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans
6:23} Everlasting life is a gift purchased by the blood of Jesus and offered freely to those who call upon Him by faith.
Pray to Ask Jesus to Be Savior
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10: 13) Confess that you are sinner, ask God to forgive you of your sins, confess that Jesus died and rose again on the third day, and receive the free gift of God.
Would you like to speak with someone?
At Calvary, we believe one of the primary roles of our church is to connect people just like you with Jesus Christ. If you have any questions about what you have just read, or would like to find out more information about Who Jesus is and what He has done for you, please reach out to us!