Daily Devotional
You've Got 3 Ways to Get to Heaven
“…not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit…”
Titus 3:5
September 9, 2020
Ponder This
Theoretically, there are three ways you can get to Heaven:
- Die before you reach the age of accountability. Precious little children who die before they know right from wrong go immediately to Heaven. Joyce and I have a little baby boy there. I confidently expect to meet our son Philip in Heaven. If you understand what I’m saying, that opportunity is passed for you. Strike one.
- Be perfect, never sin. Keep all the commandments perfectly. Never commit an evil deed or have an evil thought. If you could keep them, it would show you have no sinful nature; you wouldn't need to be saved. But no one can. Is there anyone reading this who has never sinned at all? Strike two. Since Genesis 3, we are born with a sin nature.
- Give your heart to Jesus Christ. Receive Him and His death on Calvary as full payment for your sin.
You see, you already have two strikes against you when you come to the plate. Pass the age of accountability—Strike one. Commit a sin—Strike two. One last opportunity: Receive Jesus Christ. If you don't, Strike three—you're out. The Bible is clear: you can’t do anything to merit eternal life in and of yourself.
Practice This
The only way to Heaven is to receive Christ as your personal Savior. Are you certain you’re saved, your sins forgiven? It’s not something you inherit by doing it; it’s a gift of God you receive by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you’re not sure or have never taken that step, please go to LWF.org/Discover-Jesus.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
