Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
Luke 13:26-27
Almost 18 years ago I began to realize some things about my life. It scared me at first to admit these things to myself. But the more time I spent reading God’s word, and listening to a preacher who knew what he was talking about, the more I came to a realization I will share with you today.
When we think we are “good enough” to go to heaven, or we have “done enough”, we think incorrectly. We can never do enough to earn salvation. God has laid out a plan in his word and there is only ONE way to get into heaven. First let’s look at what these verses in Luke 13:26-27 tell us this plan is NOT:
- Hanging out with those who are good people, and are even Christians. This is NOT enough to get you to glory! These people can be a good influence in your life, and can point you to the cross of Calvary. But salvation is a personal decision.
- Reading God’s word is not enough. You can be a doctrinal scholar, and read the Bible daily. If you don’t apply the truths contained therein to your soul, you will still miss heaven.
- Attending Church on a regular basis. The Bible says we are saved by His grace, not by our works. If our works and good deeds saved us, shouldn’t we all be competing to “be the best” to earn a spot in heaven? The truth is, our works just aren’t enough.
So what is enough?
If we can never live up to a “good enough” standard, and we can never “do enough” to earn grace in God’s eyes, how can we get to heaven?
Salvation, or accepting Christ as your savior, has to be a personal decision. Nobody can choose redemption for you. Enough prayers can never be said on your behalf to earn your way into heaven.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6
In order to be saved, or “get to heaven”, you have to accept who Jesus is, and what he has done for you. Jesus is the son of God…our perfect savior who was sent to earth to die a horrible death, and pay the price for our sin nature. HE is the way to heaven. HE is the life we so desperately seek here on this earth. Jesus alone is peace and joy in this ungodly world, and he is the only way to salvation.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:9-10
Once you #1) acknowledge that Jesus is the son of God, and you #2) believe the Bible when it tells the account of his death, burial and resurrection, then you can #3) confess unto God your need for a savior (through prayer) and ask him to save your soul.
THAT is enough. Your acknowledgement of who He is, confession of who you are as a sinner who can’t help yourself, and your request for Him to save your lost soul is enough. It really is that simple. You don’t have to go to a Christian, and ask them to pray for you. You don’t have to live up to any certain standard. All He asks is that you come to him, just as you are, and accept Him as your savior.
Have you done this?
If you choose to make this wonderful decision in your life today, will you let us know? Please leave a comment below, or reach out to me via the “Stay in Touch” tab above. This decision is personal, but we would love to encourage you, and pray for you as you begin your new walk with the Lord.
