Why will God let you into Heaven?

[travmantoo]

If you call yourself a Christian, but answer this question "because I'm a good person", I would strongly suggest you examine your walk with The Lord. Unfortunately, I have read things on many of these threads that would indicate there are a lot of members here who are Christian in name only.

For instance, I see "believer's" who think there is nothing wrong with listening to bands like "Insane Clown Posse" who regularly curse, and paint very violent word pictures with their music. As if, the one song on the album that talks about their love for someone, redeems the rest of their filthy music. If you have the Holy Spirit in you, He is rebuking you when you even watch an inappropriate movie or TV show. We need to be obedient!

I am disheartened these days that so many people who claim to be Christian, also think "All roads lead to Heaven." If you call yourself a Christian, but you think this way; make no mistake about it: You ARE calling Jesus Christ a liar.

I don't mean to come off as a negative person. I am filled with Joy that comes from knowing The Lord, but also with sorrow for those who are perishing. Pastor please listen to me (any Pastor!), if you are not teaching your congregation about the exceeding sinfulness of man, and our total lack of righteousness, than how will they ever understand their NEED for a savior? Simply "asking Jesus into your heart", is not only un-biblical, it is making thousands of false converts. My heart is heavy for the pain and fear they will face on Judgment day when they cry out "Lord! Lord!" on their way to eternal burning.

We as Christians ALL need to be more concerned about this. The Bible commands us to make disciples of all nations, but I think many of us need to start in our own churches.

How will you answer the question?

With Sincere Christian Love,


Travis

 

[12volt_man]

How will you answer the question?

I will answer in the words of the old hymn, "nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling".

 

[travmantoo]

I will answer in the words of the old hymn, "nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling".

Great answer.

 

[WashedClean]

I think this is a good question for new believers.

If you call yourself a Christian, but answer this question "because I'm a good person", I would strongly suggest you examine your walk with The Lord. Unfortunately, I have read things on many of these threads that would indicate there are a lot of members here who are Christian in name only.

For instance, I see "believer's" who think there is nothing wrong with listening to bands like "Insane Clown Posse" who regularly curse, and paint very violent word pictures with their music. As if, the one song on the album that talks about their love for someone, redeems the rest of their filthy music. If you have the Holy Spirit in you, He is rebuking you when you even watch an inappropriate movie or TV show. We need to be obedient!

I am disheartened these days that so many people who claim to be Christian, also think "All roads lead to Heaven." If you call yourself a Christian, but you think this way; make no mistake about it: You ARE calling Jesus Christ a liar.

I don't mean to come off as a negative person. I am filled with Joy that comes from knowing The Lord, but also with sorrow for those who are perishing. Pastor please listen to me (any Pastor!), if you are not teaching your congregation about the exceeding sinfulness of man, and our total lack of righteousness, than how will they ever understand their NEED for a savior? Simply "asking Jesus into your heart", is not only un-biblical, it is making thousands of false converts. My heart is heavy for the pain and fear they will face on Judgment day when they cry out "Lord! Lord!" on their way to eternal burning.

We as Christians ALL need to be more concerned about this. The Bible commands us to make disciples of all nations, but I think many of us need to start in our own churches.

How will you answer the question?

With Sincere Christian Love,


Travis

Excellent Post Travis!

This is so true and it concerns me as well.

Is there a forum on here for Pastors? If not, maybe there should be!

I listen to the sermons at www.timessquarechurch.org and the senior pastor, David Wilkerson, talks about this alot. That "seeker friendly" churches are not preaching that people need to repent and believe. They're just preaching "believe". He says that people are looking at large and growing churches as successful, but the truth is that if they aren't growing in Christ (or even saved), what difference do numbers make?

If there is no godly sorrow that leads to repentance, how can one understand their need for a Savior?

Anyway, thanks for your post. I hope it wakes up some pastors or any of us who need to be concerned about this.

God bless you Travis.

 

[travmantoo]

Thank you so much for your encouragment, and kind words. All glory to God!

 

[DawnTillery]

I have to agree also, there are many churches out there that have large congregations only because they "let" things slide, people tend to find churches that fit in their lifestyle instead of the right things.

 

[whatseekye]

Good question. Right after the time period when I was born again, I happened to fall upon some great reading material on the internet that explained sin and repentance. But the wonderful thing is that I actually experienced this deep conviction and sorrow about my sin and the entire world of sin before I read the material that explained it biblically. My deep sorrow concerning my sin nature was actually a beautiful and blessed experience, and it's kept me going for three years despite many obstacles and setbacks. I know what I am, in and of myself, and who God is, and it provides me with all my motivation for staying as close to God as possible. It seems almost unbelievable that God would want someone like me in heaven, but then I remember that he redeemed me at a great cost to Himself.

I heard recently that the parable of the pearl of great price is actually about Jesus Christ and the price he paid to save us which was his own submission to death on the cross. So the pearl of great price is you and me and everyone. I find that to be an interesting interpretation because many interpret it as meaning that we give up our lives to gain the the kingdom of God (which is the pearl). But I agree with the former interpretation because the second one assumes that it is our personal sacrifice that earns our way to the Kingdom of God. But you and I know, that is not how we get there. We have nothing of value to offer in and of ourselves, and even our denial of ourselves is meaningless without the sacrafice Jesus made for us on the cross. Jesus is the one who bought us at a price and who is preparing a place for us. So our readiness to accept our salvation comes with the acceptance of our own dependancy on God for our rights and reason (justification) to be with Him forever.