The Misconception of Earning Heaven
Many of us grew up believing in the “balance principle,” where our good deeds would outweigh our bad deeds, earning us a spot in heaven. This notion was instilled in me from a young age, with my mother encouraging me to live a virtuous life to tip the scales in my favor. However, as I matured, I realized the flaws in this thinking.
The Reality of Sin
The Bible clearly states that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). This understanding shook me to my core, as I realized that no amount of good deeds could erase the stain of sin. I, a sinful man, was condemned to death, and yet, I yearned to draw near to God.
The Way to God
The Book of Hebrews offers a solution to this dilemma. It teaches that our High Priest, Jesus Christ, paved the way for us to approach God. Through His faithfulness, He broke down the wall of sin that separated us from our Creator. This revelation brought me comfort, as I realized that my salvation wasn’t dependent on my efforts, but on Jesus’ sacrifice.
A Life of Faith
With this understanding, I can now hold fast to hope, unwavering in my faith. I have faith that nothing stands between me and God, not because of my own merits, but because of Jesus’ faithfulness. This assurance brings me peace, as I know that I can live forever in God’s presence.
A Prayer of Surrender
If you, like me, have struggled with the concept of earning heaven, I invite you to surrender your life to Christ. Simply pray:
“Lord Jesus, I want to trust you from now on. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me be the person You want me to be. Thank you for enabling me to trust you in these uncertain times. Amen.”
Alternatively, you can pray:
“Dear God, today I bring you my life, my hopes, my dreams, my deepest yearnings … You know me intimately. You knew me even before I was formed in the womb. You called me into this world to do good and live the life I was uniquely and specifically created for. I ask for Courage and Wisdom to live this life–the life of my dreams. Show me where to start and help me be open to hearing your Voice today. I ask for a greater consciousness of your Presence, today and every day of my life. Amen.”
Start Your Journey Today
Take the first step towards a life of faith and surrender. Say one of these prayers, and begin your journey with Christ.
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