He Saves Us - Message #429

Ask someone why God should let them into heaven. You will probably get one of two answers. "I've lived a pretty good life." Then there is the negative. I'm not so bad, God should have no problem letting me into heaven."

The common perception is that we enter heaven on the basis of our works, our own good deeds. We see God as a great grandfather in the sky who will always welcome us with open arms because, well, we deserve it. Listen to the Bible. "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5). God does not save us on the basis of works we have done or will do. We are actually sinners worthy of condemnation.

Our refusal, to openly acknowledge God, regularly worship God, continually serve God and propagate a proper understanding of God, all stand as witnesses against us. Our nation stands on the principle of freedom. Most people want freedom from religion, particularly what they see as the constraints of Christianity. As a result, if we expect entrance into heaven, we need God's mercy.

We need cleansing from sin and evil. We need inner renewal by the power of the Holy Spirit altering our dispositions so we will actually enjoy God. If we don't enjoy God here on earth, what makes us think we will enjoy Him in Heaven?

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