When it comes to religious matters these days, there is a lot of talk about judging. First of all no one likes to be called to account. Also, much of the attack aimed at creation via an intelligent Creator is not predicated upon science, logic, or reason regarding the feasibility of creation. Rather, much of that attack is based upon the desire to eliminate the idea of facing the Creator who will one day judge his creation. In my way of thinking, the Creator/Judge revealed in the Bible is not like any human judge I have ever met. It would be an unbelievable thing if a judge appointed his own son to pay my traffic fine. It would be even more marvelous if the fine were so large I could never pay it on my own. It would be more unbelievable still if the penalty were execution rather than a monetary fine. The judge’s actions would be even more incredible if he then allowed me to move into his home to live with him forever. This is exactly what the Creator/Judge of the Bible has done. The God of the Bible appointed His Son to pay the death penalty for me and then He invited me to live with Him for all eternity. That is my kind of judge.
In John 14:1-3 Jesus said, Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” (NASU) The God of the Bible invites the guilty parties to come and live with Him after He has paid off all their debts. God also states that this place to live will be a “prepared place”. This will not be just any old place. It will be a prepared place in the house of God without pain or suffering or sorrow. This is my kind of judge.
Perhaps you are wondering how you can accept and receive this type of gift from the Judge before whom you will stand one day. Jesus answered that in the very next verses. He stated in John 14:4-6, "And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (NASU) Jesus did not leave any room to maneuver on this issue. He plainly stated that receiving this pardon, forgiveness, reconciliation, and adoption would be through one avenue and one avenue only. It would come through His person.
The way to heaven is not a path, not a plan, not a map, not a set of directions. The way to heaven is a personal relationship with a personal savior. Jesus’ death in your place and your relationship with Him is the only way to receive this free gift. There is nothing you can do to earn it and no one else can give it to you. Only the God of the Bible can give this gift. In order to receive this gift, you simply repent of your sin, trust the finished work of Christ on the cross, and proclaim Christ to be the Lord of your life.
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