Who Goes to Heaven?

It is always assumed at funerals that loved ones have gone to heaven. However, God is the guardian of heaven, and He's laid out the only way people can receive entrance. - Clint Decker

U.S. law states, “It is unlawful for a citizen of the United States, unless excepted under 22 CFR 53.2, to enter or depart, or attempt to enter or depart, the United States, without a valid U.S. passport.” Did you know that just as a nation has laws for leaving or coming across its boarders, so God has laws on who can enter His heaven? (Image from NIV Bible)

There was once a man named John, who had a vision of this heaven. One day as he looked up and saw a door opened in the sky above, he suddenly heard a voice that said, “Come up here…” (Revelation 4:1)

What John saw when he stepped through that door was breath-taking. His attention was drawn to a large throne. What he saw was no human physical appearance. Instead, there was a supernatural form described by John in terms of colors from the most beautiful gems. Surrounding the throne were 24 smaller ones with men like John sitting upon them. Then from the throne came “flashes of lightening, and rumblings and peals of thunder…” (Rev. 4:5) In front of the throne were seven burning torches of fire, and a sea that was so placid and clear it looked like crystal. Then stationed around the throne were four creatures that kept repeating, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Rev. 4:8) Then John witnessed the 24 elders standing up from their thrones and falling down in worship before the Lord God saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Rev. 4:11)

John’s vision of heaven was of a place where Almighty God reigned. He was the chief figure, where all attention surrounded the Eternal One. John was the last of the 12 apostles, and his fellow co-workers were in heaven, yet his vision shows how he was gripped by the stunning imagery and presence of God.

What makes this picture of God so stunning? His holiness and power. No person, no other force in all of heaven and earth could challenge the power of the Lord God. He sits on His throne exalted above all.

We see God being called “holy” repeatedly. The picture of heaven itself, and God in all His beauty reveals how He is separate from all evil and perfect in every way. And as He is, so is His dwelling, which begs the question, “Who can live in such a place?”

There is the presumption that everyone who dies goes to heaven. As a minister, I have led many funerals, and it is always assumed that their loved one has gone to heaven, and are there enjoying time with other family members. Is this true? Since God is the guardian of heaven, what does He say about who gets in?

He states, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Rev. 22:14-15)

If you have placed your faith in Jesus and have been washed by the cleansing blood of Christ, you are welcomed in, that is your passport for entry. However, if you continue in your practice of disobedience against God’s law, heaven’s door will be shut and you will be refused admittance. Instead, you will be cast out of God’s sight into eternal darkness.

God desires you to be with Him and to enjoy the kingdom He has prepared for you, but you must turn from your ways and choose to follow Christ with all your heart. This is the only pathway into heaven.

A prayer for you - Lord God, the King of Heaven, draw me unto yourself. Help me to turn from my disobedience and to you. Fill my heart with the love of God and prepare me for eternity with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Should The Church Be Involved in Politics?

Let the church live for the glory of God and our neighbor’s good in politics and all of life. - Clint Decker

“I would urge them to avoid politics altogether,” one church leader stated about how he would advise other pastors. “Our focus is Jesus and the gospel,” an evangelist strongly emphasized, encouraging separation from politics. The public seems to agree with these sentiments. A Pew Research survey found that 66% of Americans want the church to stay out of political matters, and it made no distinction between progressive or liberal churches and conservative ones. (Image from Ministry Pass)

The church-and-politics issue divides Christians and church leaders. Heated, passionate opinions get thrown around, with each side using Bible verses and religious missional phrases to make their points.

Words are important, so what does “politics” mean? According to one etymology study, politic as an adjective pertains to the “public affairs, concerning the governance of a country or people…” Using this definition, let us ask a question. Should the church have any involvement with the public affairs or governance of their nation? This covers voting, running for public office, being an elected official, being employed in political positions, drafting legislation, speaking out on various political laws and policies, and the list goes on, covering numerous categories under the canopy of politics.

What is the answer? An emphatic YES. Here are four reasons why the church should be involved in politics.

1. The duty of preaching the Word. If a pastor obeys 2 Timothy 4:2, which says to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching”, they will automatically be political. How so? Because God states moral commands and declares absolute truths, which in turn speak not only to people’s behavior and beliefs, but to the larger community and even the laws of the land. For every law has a moral element to it, and the only way a church can get around not being political is if they sidestep the Bible’s moral commands, skirt its absolute truths, avoid preaching God’s Word altogether, or engage in biblical revisionism.

2. It is God’s government. Just as God created the family and church, He also created government. Romans 13:1 says, “For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Since government came from God, it cannot operate as He intended without Christian influence. Therefore, why would God not want His followers affecting government?

3. Biblical examples. When one looks at the Bible, from beginning to end, you see God constantly moving His people into politics. They brought God’s moral conscience to the nation. Queen Esther used her position to politically influence the king to spare the Jewish people from certain annihilation. The Scriptures say of her, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14) Jesus, our supreme example, in Matthew 23, publicly confronted Israel’s political leaders over their ungodly teachings, beliefs, and practices that were influencing the nation. Time does not allow me to discuss Joseph, Moses, King David, Nehemiah, Daniel, the prophets, John the Baptist, and the Apostles.

4. Loving our neighbor. Does not the Great Commandment give us reason to engage in politics? By godly people choosing to serve in elected office and wise Christians advocating for just laws and a just government, would not that be a blessing to our neighbor?

Like any other area of life (career, family, Christian ministry) there are clear dangers when we lose our Christian way. We must guard against politics becoming our focus, rather than Jesus. We must resist politics being the main mission, rather than the Great Commission. We must defend against the political temptation toward a lust for political power.

Let us heed Jesus’ words and live in the world, while not being of the world. Let the church live for the glory of God and our neighbor’s good in politics and all of life. May we stand for truth, be discerning, humble, and walk in godly integrity before a watching world.

A prayer for you - Lord God, you have created government, and as you have used men and women in the Scriptures to influence government and culture for your glory, use me, I pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Where Do You Go for Help?

 

Superman! Can you hear me? Superman! Where are you? 

- President of the United States (Superman, the movie, 1980)

The President of the United States, along with other world leaders, were facing the threat of losing millions of lives at the hands of General Zod. The scene is from the 1980 film, "Superman." In a desperate plea on national television, the President called for help, “Superman! Can you hear me? Superman! Where are you...?” (Image from Reddit)

The fictional movie portrays what all of us do when facing a crisis. After accepting the reality of our situation, we look for help from somewhere, and it usually comes from within and without. Within, is that inner strength, wisdom and perseverance that is summoned. It is that drive to push us through the trouble we are facing. Without, are those places we go beyond ourselves, where we contact friends, family, or our community (like Superman!).

In times of crisis, we often seek help everywhere, but one—God. He typically is not reached out to at all or is the last option. God invites us to live differently. Read the words from the Bible, “I lift up my eyes to the hills.” (Psalm 121:1a) The writer is referring to the city of Jerusalem, which sat upon an elevated, mountainous, hilly area. It was known as the city of God, where God lived among His chosen people. Consequently, it was always a city that people lifted their eyes up to in times of trouble.

When a resident of Jerusalem or of Israel was far away, he always knew what direction Jerusalem was. It was something he could see, without seeing. And when he would set his face toward Jerusalem, desire for it grew and inspired hope no matter the crisis.

Did aide and protection come through a city made of brick and mortar by the hands of mere men? No. A city cannot travel with someone, and it only offers limited help. A city’s edifices have the potential to crumble from an earthquake or be destroyed by an enemy. This is not referring to a city, but rather, to the One who dwells within that glorious city. The Scripture says, “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Ps. 121:2)

When Jesus died and rose again, no longer were people limited to access God through a single temple, in a single city. For when Christ arose, He made a way for every soul that turns from their sin and trusts in Him by faith, to be a living temple. A temple where God’s Holy Spirit would take up residence and dwell within them. Then as we walk through life, we know Almighty God lives both in heaven and ever-present within our heart. Therefore, we can lift our eyes toward the heavens, bow humbly on the ground or just walk confidently on our way, knowing that our help comes from the Savior, who made the heavens and the earth.

The Bible also questions, “From where does help come?” (Ps. 121:1B) It is communicating about the weakness within us and the things of this world. The aid, support and protection we need is limited if we rely solely upon ourselves. We are limited in knowledge, strength and morality due to our own corruption from personal sin, and the same regarding the things of this world. What should we do in challenging times? Set our eyes on the one true God, where our source of protection, wisdom and power comes from.

When you need help, where do you go? Do you trust in yourself or others? Choose to follow Christ and place all your trust in Him. He is sufficient for all your needs.

A prayer for you - Lord God, am I looking to other places for help besides you? My own knowledge and wisdom? Others? I confess my negligence in not coming to you first. I repent and turn to you. I seek you with all my heart. Change me O, God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.