Have you ever stopped to consider where you would spend eternity if you were to unfortunately die today?  For many of us, we don't like to consider or discuss the topic of death, but as the Bible declares in Ecclesiates 7:2-- "Death is the destiny of every one of us."
 
How you enter into eternity is dependant upon the choice you make today in this time based upon the plan God offers to us through his Son, Jesus Christ.
 
Many times when questioned where an individual would spend eternity after death, the recipient of this question often responds with an affirming "Heaven." But, often what they believe and what the scripture says is required of an individual to go to Heaven are two different things.
 
Typical responses individuals make as to why they believe they are going to Heaven:
* I believe in Christ
* I have been baptized
* I have lived a good moral life
* God answers my prayers
* I'm a leader in my church
* I have confessed Christ as my Savior
 
Tragically though, many of the same individuals who make such statements and base their eternity upon these beliefs are the very ones that miss eternity in Heaven. Jesus describes it this way in Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?" Then I will tell them plainly I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers!"
 
 
I. Recognize that you have a problem.
Often, people will tell you that they know they are not perfect and that they sin. However, the sin they know that they are guilty of committing is at least within their own eyes not a major problem between them and God. Yet, the Bible speaks clearly that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" in Romans 3:23. The problem is that too many people have varying definitions of what they consider sin to be. This is why the Law of God was given to us to help us understand the nature of our problem. Romans 3:20 says "Rather through the law we become conscience of sin."  

For example, the 10 Commandments serve as a direct indicator of where one stands in relation to God. God's Word shares that these instructions are to be followed with a high degree of obedience. If someone fails to follow them, thus they are guilty of sin.
 
 
Commandment 1:  You shall have no other gods before me.
If you have ever been guilty of serving other gods or placing things of lesser value before God Almighty, you are guilty of breaking this commandment.
 
Commandment 2:  You shall not make any graven image of God (paraphrased).
If you've made God out to be any other than what He truly is as described by his written Word, you are guilty of breaking this commandment.

Commandment 3:  You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Anytime an individual takes God's name and uses it in a manner that does not direct glory to God, it is violation of this commandment.

Commandment 4:   Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
One day is to be set aside weekly for worship fo the Creator. Failure to do so is a violation of this commandment.

Commandment 5:  Honor your father and mother.
If an individual chooses not to honor their parents direction at any time they violate this commandment.

Commandment 6:  You shall not murder.
If an individual physically takes the life of another or in their heart chooses to be angry with another, both of these instances violate the commandment not to commit murder.

Commandment 7: You shall not commit adultery.
If a spouse fails to be faithful to their marriage partner or if they look lustfully towards another, they place themselves in violation of this commandment.

Commandment 8:  You shall not steal.
Regardless of the size or value, if you take something not belonging to you, you violate this commandment.

Commandment 9:  You shall not lie.
Any type of lie for whatever reason used is not allowable and violates this command.

Commandment 10:  You shall not covet.
To desire things to the point of greed and self-indulgence warrant a violation of this command.
 
 
Any honest person will acknowledge that they have broken some of these at one time or another. Still, some argur that they have never been guilty of breaking all of these commandments. The Bible is clear that "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at one point is guilty of breaking them all" James 2:10. Every person is guilty of dishonoring God by breaking these commandments at one time or another.
 
 

II. Penalty for this problem.
 
Since the sins committed are against a holy God, there must be a consequence to satisfy God's anger. The Bible says that "the wages of sin is death" in Romans 6:23. Every person who commits sin thus deserves to pay the consequence and go to Hell. If we as man believe that a person who commits a destructive crime deserves to go to jail, how much more should a holy God exercise justice against those who dishonor his laws? Everyone deserves to pay this price regardless if this sin was committed outwardly or just in the heart.
 
 

III. Payment for this problem.
 
SInce we are unable to satisfy the wrath of God because of our sin, Jesus Christ came to take upon himself God's wrath and serve as a subsitute for us. Romans 5:8 says "While we were sinners, Christ died for us."  Jesus shed his blood so that it would cover our sin and erase the barrier between man and God created by sin. Another verse says "Christ died for sins, once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God"  1 Peter 3:18.
 
 
IV. Promise.
 
God has provided a way to every person through the plan he has given through his Son, Jesus Christ, that if any one would accept what he placed before us we could receive the forgiveness of sins, a new life in Christ, and the promise of eternity with Him. Romans 10:9-10 says, "That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with your mouth you confess and are saved."
 
Today, you can renounce your sin and admit that you are guilty of offending a Holy God. Accept the payment provided through Jesus Christ and surrender your heart and life to Him today. In turn, you have the promise that God will save you and you will be spiritually reborn (John 3:3).
 
If today you've never come to this point in your life where you have trusted Jesus to save and commit your life to him, today you can. Our staff pastors are here to assist you in your decision and give council to you if you have any questions. Please feel free to contact any of our staff pastors.