My last post hit a note with several people who say they don't understand the whole "Jesus thing." Their belief is that all "good" people go to heaven. My question is usually "Are you good enough to go to Heaven?" By who's standards are you good enough, societies? What if God's standard for you to get into Heaven is just a bit higher than our own standard?
You see the problem is simply that everybody's thoughts on what is "good enough" will differ. Even Hitler saw himself as a good person trying to make a better world, and millions blindly followed him down his path of madness.
To understand the Bible's view point and teaching on Jesus Christ being the only way to the Father (Heaven), reading my last post may be a good start. Without rehashing the same post again I have a couple analogies I'd like to share, that may help the people who don't understand the role Jesus plays in regards to Heaven.
I agree that good people can go to heaven, however I also believe the bible explains that there is a process and path laid out which involves Jesus.
As with life on earth, everyone chooses paths to take on a daily basis. When you decide you're going to the grocery store or going on a road trip, all of the roads in front of you don't end up where you are looking to go. This is why some people get lost, while other people make it to their destination.
Lets apply the same principle to the spirit once it leaves the body. I believe so many people take it for granted they will just end up in Heaven, yet if I ask them what path they're taking to get there, they all believe that just being a "good" person is enough.
We all need guidance and direction in the areas of our lives, this is how we grow and mature. The same holds true when it comes to God and Heaven. God has given us a map, a clearly written set of guidelines and directions so we can all find his house when our time comes. The key is to study and follow God's map now, so when the day comes that our journey is to begin, we know where we're going and who the tour guide (Jesus) is.
If death truly is a continuation of life outside of our earthly body, why would anyone believe that they will be able to find their way on the other side, without guidance? The Bible clearly shows us the way, and you need to come to, repent, and follow Jesus Christ so you can begin to learn the directions to get to Heaven. Personally, if left without a GPS, I take a wrong turn and get lost every time.
Here's another way to see it. Let's say a neighbor of yours is throwing the party of the century. You can't wait to go, however you've lived right down the street from them your whole life and have never taken the time to introduce yourself to them in the past. What would happen, if you showed up to their house and tried to walk in unknown, uninvited, and unannounced?
You would be rejected, barred from entering and asked to leave, or worse.
Perhaps if one were to try that same technique to get into Heaven, just maybe they might get the same results.
I simply submit that learning about where one is going and introducing yourself to the home owner in advance, is always the sure way to become accepted and welcomed.
"Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven"
