There is an old saying that we can only be certain of two things in life – death and taxes. While that is a pessimistic view, we do indeed live in a world of uncertainty. Recent terrorist atrocities have only served to underline the fact that at the beginning of each day we cannot be certain what will have happened by the end of that day.

When we think further ahead, how can we be certain what will happen to us after we die? Is there life after death? If there is a heaven, how can we be sure of our place there?

Much human religion is based on the idea that we need to earn our place in heaven by doing good or by following the right rituals. Many wrongly perceive Christianity in this same way. But this is a completely distorted view of true Christianity.

True Christian faith is radically different. The Bible makes it clear that none of us have ever lived up to God’s perfect standard – we all fall short and none of us can earn our place in heaven. If we rely on our own goodness then we shall all certainly perish. That sounds like really bad news – but we must accept that bad news before we can understand and accept the GOOD NEWS which follows.

Jesus said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John’s Gospel Chapter 3 Verse 16)

Our place in heaven depends solely on our acceptance of the forgiveness which God offers us through Jesus.

• First, we need to admit that we have done wrong and are not good enough in ourselves.

• Second, we need to turn away from wrong and ask God to forgive us because Jesus paid the price for us when he died on the cross.

Then we can be certain of our eternal destiny with Jesus in heaven because it depends entirely on what he has already done for us. Our only part is to receive his gift of eternal life – but it is our choice whether to receive or reject Jesus and his gift.

#GoodNews #Repentance #Gospel #Forgiveness