Well, let me rephrase that. Heaven isn't going to BE for everybody. It was designed for everyone.
Heaven is the most wonderous place none of us has ever been. The Bible depicts it, scholars have done their best and even a few people claim to have been and returned. But only those walking there right now truly know the magnitude of its grandeur.
This past week, America lost the iconic Betty White. She brought the world to tears of laughter nearly every time she stepped onto a stage or appeared on our tv screens. Her laughter was infectious. Her concern for animals endearing. And her ability to disarm even the most seasoned Hollywood actor was unforgettable.
What catches me off guard every time a celebrity passes away is the quotes, memes and photos depicting said celebrity in heaven. Here are a few from Betty's passing...
Don't hate me yet! I promise there is no malice intended nor do I intend to speak ill of the departed.
The issue I have is with declaring that someone clearly must be in heaven when they pass away because they were a good person. That is not how access to heaven is granted.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9
According to Romans 3:23, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."
BUT, there is hope. There is salvation. THROUGH God's Son. And ONLY through His Son. We just celebrated Christmas and were reminded of the first Noel. We celebrated that this tiny Child was sent to be the Savior for a fallen world. We also know what others didn't understand at that time. That tiny Child would be a sacrificial Lamb which would provide us all access to heaven if we so choose to follow Him.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Being good, kind, loving and caring is wonderful. It is needed in a hurting and broken world. But it will NOT get you into heaven solely because you behaved that way. Laughter might be the best medicine, but it won't heal a depraved soul.
Colossians 2:8-9 reminds us: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."
I don't know the condition of Betty White's soul. Or that of John Madden's who passed away days before Betty. Or that of any other celebrity, really.
But, I am pretty sure I knew the condition of the soul of a man who passed away just a few weeks before Christmas. I and my father had the privilege of getting to spend some of his last moments with him and his family, praying over him and listening to the family share precious memories about their father/husband/brother. They spoke of his deep faith, his love of others, even the little Bible that was always in his hand. He led his family with grace and love and the Lord's wisdom the best he knew how.
Friends, it's not in how many you know, how many good things you accomplish, how many people you give money to at the corner, how many children you sponsor, how many people you make laugh.
IT IS THE CONDITION OF YOUR SOUL.
Please don't go to bed without knowing you'll wake up walking in heaven beside the Savior. It won't matter that someone doesn't make a meme to celebrate your passing. Trust me. You will not care once you're there!
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