Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 2:16
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Galatians 2:21
For some, this message is just a reminder, but for others this is new. Let's get this straight...
You do not get to Heaven by doing works for GOD. You get to Heaven by believing and receiving (the message) that that JESUS CHRIST died on the cross for your sins and then once you believe it, you accept JESUS into your life. That is how you get to Heaven.
Once, someone told me to clean up a mess that someone else made. I told that person that I didn't do it. Then she told me to just do it anyway, because it would be "honor points" in Heaven. I was shocked! That is totally false. Let me repeat: Your works and good deeds for GOD will not get you into Heaven!!!
Why? Let me explain. GOD is perfect; without sin. We, human beings, are not perfect; we are full of sin. GOD cannot be your presence if you have sinned: Heaven is spotless of sin. That's why we need to ask JESUS into our hearts and to forgive us. Once we do this, HIS spilled blood washes away our sins... and the next time GOD looks at us, HE no longer sees our imperfect sin, but a perfect image of JESUS (in us).
Don't think you've sinned before? You are just lying to yourself... Yes, lying is a sin. The 8th commandment (for Catholics it is the 7th). If you don't think you are lying, think back: Have you ever stolen, used GOD's name in vain, have you ever cursed, have you ever disrespected your parents, or... the list keeps going on and on. If I was talking like an atheist, I would be basically asking: Have you ever done anything wrong... at all?
Still think you're clean? Here's my back up. The Bible says:
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23
How about this one:
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23
So the Bible makes it clear, works do not get you into heaven (check out the Bible verses at the start of this post if you haven't already...). If you want to get to Heaven, remember, the only way is through JESUS CHRIST! Pray to HIM, and ask HIM to forgive you of your sin... ask HIM to come into your life. Then you will have a relationship with GOD and you will be ignited, with the HOLY SPIRIT. You will also have your ticket on the J-Train!... Uh... to Heaven... (Sorry Toby and Kirk, had to use that one).
Does this all mean that once you have accepted JESUS you can do whatever you want (and) keep sinning? Does it mean that you shouldn't do good works for GOD? No! Your relationship with GOD is connect by love... and if you love GOD, you will keep HIS commands! (That verse was John 14:15... it has roots with:
http://theflippingsweetblogtwo.blogspot.com/2007/02/keep-commands.html). If you love GOD, by all means you should try to do GOD's will and not go back to the slavery of sin. Yes, sin holds you captive... and JESUS sets you free from your sin... maybe what I am saying will make more sense in a verse. Then it will be time to rap this post up...:
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
Galatians 4:9
Just remember that JESUS is the only way to be in Heaven with GOD forever. You can't try to out-do your bad with good. GOD will still see the bad, and it will ruin the good like a black spot on a white carpet. JESUS can wash away that "spot" with HIS blood. JESUS is the only way!
GOD bless you all. Peace be with you. May your cup overflow and your faith be limitless.
Your servant, RC Hammer
Matthew 7:1-2
