The Bridge To Everlasting Life

There is a war waging against mankind, and it is possible that you--like many people are oblivious to it. Maybe the person reading this message believes in some sort of higher power. You may consider yourself to be Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, or of another belief. It is "politically correct" to believe that as individuals from various backgrounds, we should accept or be tolerate of each other's beliefs. And we should recognize that people have their own beliefs--that we all make CHOICES in our lives. Although, we as individuals adhere to different religious or philosophical beliefs; the fact that there is but one God remains unchangeable. He is as He is. We CANNOT create Him ourselves, rather He created us. God also gave us the power of choice.

There is One called the Self-Exisiting One, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Would not God make Himself known? Scientists throughout the years have purport various theories--an explosion erupting from nothingness, black holes, asteroids, and the list goes on. Even now, a group of astronomists in the scientific community are subscribing to the ideal of a "dark force" which is holding the entire universe together. This type of blindness toward God has been a pivotal factor in a battle for our souls between God and Satan--the evil "god" of this world. Romans 1:20 says "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse". The Bible, the Word of God, is another way in which God has revealed Himself to mankind. And God revealed Himself through His Son, Jesus. Hebrews 1:3 says "The Son is the radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of His being."

Most of us have been taught to live by what we can see, feel, hear, smell, or touch. We rely on our senses. We are much less skilled in living by what we CANNOT see. We live busy and hectic lives, consumed by work, family, and other personal activities. People are more than physical beings; we are more importantly, spiritual beings.

As a former atheist, I always wondered questions such as "if there is a God, why do evil things happen"? "Why are we here and not in heaven?" "If evolution is true, why would we evolve so much higher than animals, with reasoning and intellectual capabilities?" "Is there any purpose to this existence?" "How can the universe exist with the degree of order we see?"

God is angry with evil, BUT He is also merciful God. God is a good God, and all good things come from God (James 1:17). On the other hand, Satan (the devil) and the powers of darkness are evil, and he is an enemy against mankind. His goal is to take as many people into eternal punishment as possible. The Bible describes Satan as a beautiful angelic being--far from the comic image of the ugly goat/man in red tights and a tail (Ezekiel 28). From the Bible, we learn that there was a great war in Heaven, and Satan along with one-third of the angels were cast out of Heaven. Revelation 20:10 describes his ultimate destiny.

Is heaven an automatic? I recall a time when a Christian witnessing to me said "not every good person will go to Heaven". This statement struck me as really odd, as I expected to hear entry to Heaven would depend upon how good you were in your lifetime. Additionally, I grew up in a Catholic background which stressed if I did enough good things, confessed to a priest routinely, did not commit any huge offense ...I would automatically go to Heaven.

There is but ONE WAY TO HEAVEN! It is NOT based on church attendance, it is NOT based on how good or bad you might be, or on what good things you have done for others! John 3:16 says "For God so love the world that He gave His only Son, that WHOSOEVER believes in Him should NOT perish, but have everlasting life." It is based on our belief/acceptance on obtaining redemption through Jesus Christ. It is by His power we are able to live and abide by His Word.

John 14:6 quotes Jesus as saying "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes unto the Father, but by me." Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself so that everyone could have everlasting life in Heaven. In John 3:3, Jesus tells a man, "except a man be BORN AGAIN, he cannot see the kingdom of God." What does this mean, "born again"? Being born again is to receive a new spirit which is of God; and this is essential to receiving eternal life. This is accomplished through accepting salvation brought to us by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

None of us know how much time we have left. There is no guarantee that everyone alive today will be alive tomorrow. The choices we make today will determine where we spend eternity. The Bible records Jesus saying that before He returns, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes....and this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:7-14)

When God made man, He gave mankind dominion over the earth. Genesis 1:26 states "Let us (the Trinity) make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." Chapter 3 of Genesis, describes the "fall of man", and how mankind fell under the curse of sin and death. Adam and Eve originally possessed spirits ABSENT of sin. Because Adam and Eve disobeyed God, the earth fell under a curse, mankind would be subjected to death, and born with a spirit APART from God. God is a Holy God, incompatible with the sinful nature of man. There had to be a way to bridge the gap, to SAVE mankind from eternal separation from God. Jesus Christ IS that bridge.

Salvation (to be born again) is supernatural. It is not contingent upon being a member of a church, being perfect, or belonging to a particular denomination. It is an act of faith--believing on justification through Jesus Christ. How do you become born again? The NIV Bible says that "if you confess with you 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 you are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved".

Our Savior is a living savior. Jesus Christ is alive. Acts 4:12 says "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is NO OTHER NAME under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

God is a forgiving and loving God. No matter what you have done, what kind of things you are doing, what kind of person you think you are, you can receive salvation. Just accept and believe it. Salvation requires an act of humility, because you are asking God to forgive you of your sins. DON'T worry about how you are going to turn from problems you currently face, rather, SEEK the Lord who will help you overcome any problem! Jesus did not die for the perfect. No one is perfect, we all have sinned, and struggle in various areas. God is calling out to you today. Make that decision today!

If you BELIEVE and wish to get saved today, pray this out loud believing: "Heavenly Father, I believe Jesus Christ is your Son, and that He died for me on the cross, and rose again from the dead. I ask you to forgive me of all my sins, and I ask Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me, and for everlasting life. Amen."

If you prayed that believing, there are some things you will need to do to grow in your walk with the Lord, and to experience the fullness of power He grants to His children. On the right hand side of this page, you will find a variety of resources to get you started and to address additional questions. Get a Bible. You might focus at first on reading Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, then branch out into the Epistles. Spend time in the Old Testament as well. Find a church that adheres to the Bible, neither subtracting from it, or adding doctrine to it. May I also suggest calling 1-800-NEED-HIM. They can provide a friendly ear, pray for you, and explain any questions you have on salvation. You can remain totally anonymous. Make that decision today!