LEARNING DAILY

John 6:47, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.”  Jesus

Pastor Ed Newton began his message with what he had heard at a conference. The speaker asked the audience to think about and answer on a scale of 1-10 how sure they were if they died that day they would go to heaven. He had the audience raise their hand as he broke down the scale by 1-3, 4-7, and 8-9. Pastor said he was surprised at how many were not sure about going to heaven. The question for each of you reading this today is: Where do you fall on this scale? If you are not sure, pay close attention to this brief review of what Pastor had to say.

Go back and read the statement made by Jesus. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.” Jesus did not say maybe. He did not say there is a 50-50 chance. He said if one believes, he has everlasting life! “In the 21-days of prayer and fasting, this is the greatest break through one can have!” (Pastor Newton). He continued, “Do you want to go to heaven? Then you need to know Jesus Christ as your Savior! Salvation is not a feeling; it is a fact!”

All of us knows John 3:16. The next verse says, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Let’s be clear and honest – you do not save yourself by being a “good person”. You are saved through the mercy of God through His Son. John 10:28 tells us, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” That’s God’s guarantee for each person who asks Jesus Christ to save and change them! (Listener Guide).

Pastor said, “One will never know their need for a Savior until they admit they are a sinner. When did you become a sinner? Psalm 51:5 answers this, ‘Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me.” (Listener Guide).  “Jesus Christ is the standard for holiness [and righteousness]. When one admits he/she does not meet this standard, acknowledges he/she is a sinner, then he/she can be saved” (Pastor Newton). The problem is ignoring this message, believing one can get into heaven on their own merit.

That takes each person to the cross of Calvary! 1 John 4:15 is an important verse for every person to consider, “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him and he in God” (Listener Guide). The “whoever” means it does not matter who you are, where you are coming from, what you have done, or even how old you are, Jesus Christ is able to save and change you. Pastor Newton stated, “The cross was the payment [for everything you have done and said and thought] and the empty tomb is your receipt. By taking His Word, by faith, He will change your life. The cross is the power to do this (read Colossians 2:13-14).”

The last thought Pastor Newton left us with as he closed his message was, “Christians are not as effective as they could be because they are not sure of their salvation.” Let the word of God speak to this (from the Listener Guide)! “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). “And who has also put His seal on us and given us His Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” (2 Corinthians 1:22). “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one can snath them out of My hand.” (John 10:28). Those are verses of promises that when you say yes to His salvation, you belong to Him and you are secure!

Where do you rate on that scale, now?