Heaven! The very word itself brings a pleasant calm and joyful spirit when we hear it. Heaven! Where we get to be with the Lord Himself forever and ever! Where we get to rest from our earthly hardships! Where we get to be united with the redeemed of all time! Heaven!
This life is the only “preparation opportunity” that we have for heaven! God has graciously shown us the way (and what a glorious way it is!), but once this life has passed, there are no “do-overs” or “second chances.” And, I cannot afford to miss heaven! Think for a moment what that means to each of us.
If Scripture has anything to do with going to heaven, I cannot afford to be wrong about the authority of Scripture! It is only through God’s Word that we know anything about heaven and anything about how to get to heaven. Of course, “There is a way that seems right to a man” (Prov. 14:12), but it “is the way of death,” not of eternal life. Only Jesus has “the words of eternal life” (John 6:68), therefore, it is has been placed upon us, through the demands of Scripture, to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17). His Word must be our sole authority in religious matters, for only through obedience thereto can we enter and enjoy the blessings of heaven (Matt. 7:21). If baptism has anything to do with going to heaven, I cannot afford to be wrong about the purpose of baptism! Man’s deadliest affliction today is sin, for sin separates man from God now (Isa. 59:1-2) and sin will keep man from going to heaven (1 Cor. 6:9; Gal. 5:21). Man’s greatest need today is the complete removal of every sin he commits, which is only possible through the blood of Jesus (Rev. 1:5). God (not any man) tied the washing away of one’s sins directly to one’s submission to immersion (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3-4). Therefore, baptism of penitent believers is essential to enter and enjoy the blessings of heaven (John 3:3-7).
If the church has anything to do with going to heaven, I cannot afford to be wrong about the identification of the church! The church of the New Testament is not of human origin but of Divine origin (Isa. 2:2-4; Matt. 16:18). It is not comprised of varying denominational organizations (Gal. 1:6 -12; John 17:20-21) but is singular (as taught in Scripture) in its doctrine and practice (Eph. 4:4; 1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Pet. 4:11). Human organizations are not essential for eternal life, but only those who are part of Christ’s kingdom will enter and enjoy heaven (1 Cor. 15:24; Heb. 12:23).
To depart from this life and to “be with Christ… is very much better” (Phil. 1:23). I cannot afford to miss heaven; therefore, I cannot afford to be wrong about heavenly things!
-David Sproule
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