If you die today, do you think you are going to heaven?
“This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God – who does not lie – promised them before the world began.” Titus 1:2
“If you die today, how confident are you that you will go to heaven?” Someone asked me that question many years ago and my response was 90%. I thought I was being humble and realistic. After all, no one is perfect! But I was a “good” person and went to church regularly. However, I did not realize that I had just denied Jesus and made my salvation based on my own good works.
Remember that Salvation is a Gift
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Last week, we explained how you become a Christian by belief in Jesus Christ. He died once, for all people and all sin – past, present, and future. If you are not sure if you are a Christian, please read last week’s prayer letter.
Galatians 3:3 says, “After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?” If we are saved by faith and not by obeying the law, can we lose our salvation by sinning? Absolutely not!
Understand that God’s Promise Can’t Be Broken
You became a child of God based on your faith in God’s promise in John 1:12. This has nothing to do with you and your ability to keep the Ten Commandments. This is a promise from God. And God does not lie!
“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the veil into God’s holy inner sanctuary.” (Hebrews 6:18-19).
Remember that NOTHING Can Separate You From Your Salvation
Your salvation is held secure by God’s power and promise. It has nothing to do with your ability to be perfect. “I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow…” (Romans 8:38-39). And Jesus also confirmed this when he said, “I give them eternal life and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of my hand…” (John 10:28)
Now, when someone asks me how confident I am that I will go to heaven when I die, I answer 100%! I hope you can too!
Pray this week:
For God to give you confidence in His promise.
