If we did a survey of 100 people, probably all would say they are going to Heaven. Often, people have the wrong perception about the Bible. To the world, it does not matter if one attends worship or if one follows God’s Word. Many people think that it does not matter the kind of life a person lives, just as long as he believes in God. To many in the world, God is perceived to be a loving God Who will not send anyone to Hell. Yes, God is a loving God and will not send anyone to Hell arbitrarily. Hell is a punishment earned by those who will spend eternity there. A heavenly reward cannot be earned, but by God’s grace, we can receive our heavenly home as a gift!
I was listening to some group singing, “When We All Get to Heaven.” It made me think of many people who are so sincere about their Christianity, and yet, some of them are so sincerely wrong. We all want to go to Heaven, but not everyone wants to follow God’s instruction Book, the Bible. Even religious people like to pick and choose out of the Bible what they want, not what God commands. If it were just that easy to get to Heaven, there would be a lot more gaining a home in Heaven. Unfortunately, sincerity alone will not work.
How many of our friends are sincere in their false doctrines? How many people do we see every day who are good people and would do anything to help those in need? Yes, there are good people in denominations as well as among others who do not claim any Christianity. However, most believe they will go to Heaven anyway.
Have you ever attended the calling hours preceding a funeral of a friend or loved one who was not a faithful Christian or someone who does not proclaim to have anything to do with religion? How many times do we hear, “At least they are out of pain now. They are in Heaven with God”? We hear this all the time for Christians and non-Christians alike.
In 2 Timothy 2:15, we are told to study for ourselves so we can rightly divide the Word of God. We are not told to listen to others and not study for ourselves. Unfortunately, this is what we hear a lot. “Let me ask my preacher what the Bible says about this or that.” Often, sincere people go to the wrong source—man instead of God. I am not saying it is wrong to go to others for help, but after we are told an answer to our question, we must go to the Scriptures to make sure we were given the right answer.
Matthew 7:21 says, “not everyone who say unto me Lord, Lord will enter Heaven.” We must be sure to follow God’s commandments. Also, in Matthew 25:31-46, the “goats” who were lost were sincere. They asked Jesus when did they see Him to give Him a drink, to feed Him, to give Him clothing or visited Him in prison. These people wanted to know what they had done wrong. Jesus told them they did not do these things to those around them that needed these things. If they had done for others, they would have done this to Jesus.
Then, in this same passage, the “sheep” did for others what was needed. They did not do this for praise. Their good deeds were done because it was what they knew should be done. They also asked Jesus when they did these things to Him. He told them by doing for others they did them for Him.
So, let us all study God’s Word and make sure we are following it. We all want to go to Heaven, but there is only one way—through Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 14:6-7, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Therefore, we must do the full will of God.
