Why do Christians think this is so important? Some would even call us fanatical about it. The reason this is so important is that every person is going to die at some point. Death is inevitable, and we all understand that. Most of us have the feeling that this life is not all there is. We ask, “what is beyond the grave?” The Bible reveals to us, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27) that once we die, we will stand before God and give account for what we have done in this life. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” (Revelation 20:12 says) So, what kind of works or actions have you done? I had to answer this question myself as well. No one is exempt. It’s the kind of question that we need to ask and answer before we die.
Maybe you say, “I am a good person, surely I will make it into heaven.” On what are you basing that judgment call? Are you basing it on a comparison with someone you know saying, “I’m better than they are, so I’ll make it into heaven.” Being better than someone else is not the standard that God is going to use. And can you honestly say that you’re objective about your actions? The rule that God is going to use is going to be an objective standard. He is going to judge you according to His standard of righteousness.
The ten commandments are an excellent place to start. How do you compare to those? Let’s begin with, “Thou shalt not kill.” (Exodus 20:13) Have you ever committed a murder? Hopefully, you say no, but if you have, then you would fall short of God’s standard. How about, “Thou shalt not steal.” (Exodus 20:15) Theft is one that a lot more of us have done. Often when we are young, but it is still a part of our actions. How about this one, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14) Now you may say, “no, I haven’t done that.” But have you wanted to? Jesus said, “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28) If you have ever lusted after someone, whether you are a man or woman, you have fallen short of God’s standard. Have you ever disobeyed or been disrespectful to your parents? “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” (Exodus 20:12) How about taking God’s name in vain? “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7) That means to use God’s name in a disrespectful or derogatory way. That started good, but how did you score? Are you good enough to meet God’s standard? The truth is that none of us are that good. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)
God knows we are not able to live up to His standard of righteousness. That is why he lived up to it for us. God became a man like you and me, except He lived a life without sin. His name was Jesus, and he came to give himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of every single person who has ever lived. That includes you and me. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) That is what Jesus Christ did on the cross he died for our sins. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8) Salvation is a gift that God offers to all who believe. It was made possible by Christ’s death on the cross.
There is no limit on those who can take God’s free offer of salvation. This one verse will tell you everything you need to know. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) All that you can do is place your faith in Jesus Christ.
We do this by praying, admitting to God that you are a sinner in need of salvation and that you are trusting in Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
Will you take God’s free offer of salvation today? If you did send us an email, we would like to connect with you. If you still have some questions, send us an email, we would love to talk with you and answer those questions.