Heaven Bound

By

Pastor B.J. Knefley

I heard a story the other day about a man who died and went to heaven. At the gate sat Peter who told the man that he needed 1000 points to get into Heaven. Since the man had done many good things in his life, he wasn’t too concerned with the point system. After all, he thought, he was better than most. So he started, “I’ve been married for 48 years and I never cheated on my wife or even had a thought for another woman.” “Very good” said Peter, “That will be two points”. The man went on to report that he gave over ten percent of his income to charity. Again Peter said that was good and awarded him another two points. Getting a little flustered, the man shared that he had volunteered for several national disasters in both time and money. Peter again praised him for the great work he had done and awarded him four points. At that point the man threw up his hands in utter frustration and declared, “At this rate I’m going to need the grace of God”. Peter excitedly responded, “That’s it, now you have your 1000 points, enter on in for the place that’s been prepared for you.”

Sadly, many attempt to please God by doing good things. But if that were the case, if you could earn your way, Jesus Christ died for nothing. But that’s not what the Bible teaches. It stated that there are none righteous and that all have sinned and fallen short of His glory, (Romans 3:23). Try as we might, we will never be good enough. Salvation is always about the grace of God, not the works of man.

But is life about just about heaven? I think not. Life is about now, today. Those who have placed their faith in God are to live out their lives today in the power of that faith. That means facing all that life has to throw at us in a manner that points others to that faith. I’m not to live my life in a vacuum sequestered away on some mountain top. Instead, I’m to be a disciple living my life through His power. Think about it.