God is Love

I recently heard Alistair Begg speak about one of the thieves that was crucified alongside Jesus. Jesus promised the thief, that very day, he would be with Him in paradise. How does it happen that a criminal sent for execution will spend eternity with Jesus?

Because God is love.

The thief didn’t go to church or follow all the precepts or commandments, but he recognized Jesus was the Messiah, his Savior. He believed in his heart and Jesus accepted him.

Pastor Begg makes an important point. If someone were to ask if we are going to heaven, how would we respond? If our response begins with the first person, “Well, yes, I did…” then we already have it wrong. There is only one reason we get into heaven: because the man on the middle cross said we could. Jesus gave His life for our eternity.

God knows how difficult it is to be human. We don’t have to be perfect because Jesus died in our place. I don’t want this to sound too simplistic, but we just have to believe. Believe that Jesus lived and died for all humanity. By faith, and with the help of over 500 witnesses, we know He is alive today. “Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.” Romans 8:34.

I don’t get to heaven by my good deeds, but my good deeds are evidence of my faith, my belief in a living and loving God. I practice good because I love God and I know His way of doing things will bring the most peace and joy to myself and others.

Many see God as a religion full of rules, a life devoid of fun or personal freedom. But I see a God full of love and He gives me a life full of joy, personal growth, and eternal promise.

When things seem difficult to understand, we need look no further than this: Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40.

KISS (keep is super simple) each day: Love God, love your neighbor, love yourself, and look forward to a lovely eternity in heaven!

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John 1:14