By Rosie Moore

I have a dear friend who absolutely declares that “nice” people will definitely go to heaven. She ascertains that if you are good to people, help the poor, are kind to everyone and live an almost “spotless” life, then heaven will be your future home. I’ve tried many times to change her point of view but failed to do so. Then I saw a letter written by Rev. Billy Graham a few years ago and he answers my dilemma correctly:

“Many people have missed one of the Bible’s greatest truths. It is this: our salvation depends solely on Christ, and what He has done for us through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. No matter how good we are ….no matter how loyal we are to our church–these will not save us. Only Christ saves us, as we put our faith and trust in Him.”

This is a very hard fact for most people to understand. For example, what about all the doctors and nurses who band together to save lives of those who were devastated by floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes? Won’t they find a home in heaven? Not if they don’t believe in Christ, sad to say.

Rev. Graham goes on to say: Ask God to help you share this great truth with others–not arguing, but simply pointing out Christ to them, then rejoice that someday you will be united in heaven with all who have trusted Christ for their salvation.”

Many people wonder why God allows tragedies to happen. One of the Bible verses that gives me comfort during the craze of this world’s days is found in 1 Corinthians 13:12: “but now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” I have reasoned to myself, that God doesn’t allow tragedies to happen. We forget that Satan is busy wreaking havoc in this world and he and Christ have been at war since time began. We will know the answers to our queries if and when we get to heaven.

Thought for the day: All things are difficult before they are easy. Ralph Waldo Emerson

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