According to Jesus, the gate to heaven is narrow. The easier route through life is the broad pathway of secular happiness, with all of its side roads to decadence and self-indulgence. But the way to eternal life is marked by self-sacrifice and humility.
The Lord warned His followers not to be deceived about their salvation. Those who find heaven's road have given their heart to Jesus and acknowledged that His sacrificial death paid their sin-deb in full. This is important because we meet many people who appear to be walking the narrow path though they have never actually made a decision for Christ. These people may be busy with church work, but they have placed performance before commitment. Their activities may be commendable--such as volunteering in ministries and supporting missions--and they may even hold some right beliefs. But actions and thoughts aren't always an accurate reflection of the spirit and heart.
Many churchgoers assume their works are so pleasing to God that heaven is a certainty; sadly, they will be stunned by the ultimate rejection. At the judgment, Jesus will tell them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness" (Matthew 7:23). Jesus will not accept anyone who has refused to be forgiven for his or her sins.
You don't want to be among those who think deeds earn admission to heaven. Receiving Christ as Savior is the only way (John 14:6). Then you can be sure that at the end of life's journey, you'll step off the narrow road and into God's presence forever (1 John 5:13).
InTouch Magazine, January 2008, Vol. 31 No. 1
It is sad when you think about it. Many people out there believe they are going to heaven when they die because they have "lived a good life." As believers we have to really be careful not to fall victim to false teachers and false beliefs. God is very clear that in order to get into Heaven, we must sincerely ask for forgiveness of our sins and for Jesus to come and live in our hearts. We can't assume our good works alone are going to secure us a place in heaven. The Bible teaches this is not true. When the time comes, I do not want Jesus to tell me "I never knew you; depart from Me..." I am committed to my relationship with God, and I pray that He continues to feed my desire for Him.
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