Did you know that you can miss heaven by 12 inches? That is roughly the distance between your head and your heart. Far too many people have had a head knowledge of God, and not actually have a personal relationship with God. It says in James 2:19, "You believe there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe, and tremble." The demons of all creation know exactly who God is, since they spent time with Him before the Fall. Take for example the Pharisees in the time of Jesus. He called them "whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones, and all uncleanness." in Matthew 23:27. The Pharisees knew the law, but they did not know the Law Maker. They took the time to memorize and abide by 613 laws, but didn't take the time to get to know the One whom the laws were written to please.
How does one get to know Jesus? Well, I'm glad you asked. Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3, that "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." How does one be "born again" when he is full grown? The answer is simple. You must repent of your sins. According to the dictionary, the word repent means "to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life". In the church of today, the word repent is not mentioned as much as it should be. Church has become less of a hospital for sinners, and more of a positive self help seminar. They focus on doing good and feeling good, and not on the core of salvation. You first have to realize that you are a sinner, and be sorrowful of your sin. It says in Second Corinthians 7:10, "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation." It's not about feeling "your best self" as Joel Osteen preaches, but good old fashioned sorrow for your state. Until you have that moment of repentance, it is impossible to please God. The book of Proverbs says that there is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is death. You can go to church, give to the poor, volunteer at the homeless shelters and still miss heaven. Jesus says that "MANY in that day will say, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and in Your name have cast out many demons, and in Your name done many wonderful works?' And then I will say to you, I never knew you: depart from me you who work iniquity." These are the ones that will miss heaven by 12 inches. Today, if you do not know the man named Jesus, I urge you to repent of your sins, and make it right with Him. Tomorrow is not a guarantee, but death and eternity are. Love ya, mean it.
Travis
