None of us know how much time we have. Any of us could die in the next minutes, hours, days, months, or years. The important, and at that point, only question is where would you spend eternity?

Personal religious background is of no consequence to this critically important matter, for religion is not the issue. Salvation by the only means by which it is available is the point.

Recently, we saw The Passion of The Christ. Although some parts of it were truly brutal, that is the way it was. Thinking about it, J wondered whether she would be able to sit through that -- to see what awful things they did to her Lord. But, as the lights came down, Peace descended on her. She realized that they did nothing to Him; she did. It was her sins that put Him on that cross, but it was His love for her that kept Him there! She could then watch the horror she put Him through to more fully glimpse the great love He showed her in return. What a Savior!

If He is not your Savior, He wants to be. As the actor-Jesus said in the movie, and the living Savior said in His Word, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father (God) but by Him (Jesus). John 14:6, NKJV. Religious ritual, acknowledging the existence of a God, belonging to a particular denomination, regular church attendance, or being a good person will not suffice. But, in His great love for us, He has made saving faith wonderfully and readily available to all.

FAITH:

First, we cannot have eternal life and heaven without God's forgiveness of our sins.

Ephesians 1:7a (NKJV)In Him [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

But, God's forgiveness is available for all.

John 3:16 (NKJV)For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

However, God's forgiveness is not automatic.

Matthew 7:21a (NKJV)Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven.

Because of who we are every person is a sinner.

Romans 3:23 (NKJV)For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

How can a sinful person enter heaven, when God allows no sin?

Repent. Repent simply means to turn from something; in this case, sin and self.

Luke 13:3b (NKJV)But unless you repent you will all likewise perish.

For Salvation, you must trust Christ only as your personal savior.

Romans 10:9 (NKJV)If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Heaven is eternal life.

It is a wonderful place where we can go be with our Savior Jesus Christ and our loved ones who have died trusting Him as their Savior. Moreover, here and now, Jesus gives us eternal life.

John 10:10b (NKJV)I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Hereafter, that is, after this present life, He will take us into that new place He has prepared for all those who have received Him as Savior.

John 14:3 (NKJV)And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

How can we have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Savior and Lord?

By trusting in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness.

Forsaking All, I Trust Him, i.e., FAITH.

The prayer of salvation is a simple one. Call upon the name of Jesus, confess to Him that you are a sinner and cannot save yourself. Believe in your heart that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that He is the only way to come to God and spend eternity with Him. Ask Him to save you and trust Him for that salvation.

A sample prayer follows, but no specific words are required. Speak to Him from your heart in faith, and you will be saved for all eternity!

Sample Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sin and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me. For it is in your matchless Name that I pray, Amen.

JM Hawks urges all to obtain salvation and eternal life with God by the only means possible - by choosing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.

The infinite love, grace, and power of our True and Living God are overwhelming. Be confident that you are close to the heart of God. Choose Him!