You’re Welcome in Heaven, by Daniel Carnes

Did you know you’ve been invited into the glorious realms of God’s presence? Its true! You’ve been invited to a great feast.When man sinned against God,it separated all of humanity from its source of life,the Spirit we call “God.”Just as a fish will breathe a few moments out of the water before dying,so too,we humans only live a little while and then we expire.But there is Good News(that’s what the word “Gospel” means!)…”God so loved the world that He gave His very own Son,so that whoever believes in Him will not perish,but have eternal life”(John 3:16).I know you’ve probably heard that you have to be “holy” or “righteous” in order to go to Heaven,but did you know that the Bible actually teaches that ONLY God is righteous,and therefore,no one can be righteous unless they receive it from Him?Well friend,I’ve got more Good News…God gifted His Son to us as payment for our sin;therefore, our debt is paid,and if we trust Jesus as our way in,we are welcomed into Heaven with great shouting,loud music,and a huge celebration.Why? Because God loves you!! Jesus said,”I tell you that in the same way there will be MORE rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous persons who do not need to repent”(Luke 15:7).Think of that…rejoicing in Heaven!The angels of God and your loved ones that have gone before you are there having a great time!Then,just a few verses later(15:11-32),Jesus told the story of the Prodigal Son.It tells of the son of a wealthy man that asked for all of his inheritance, and then went off into the world to live his own way,and do what he chose.After a while,he had lost it all.He felt like he was living very low.So,he decided to go to his father. He knew that if he could just work with his father’s servants that he’d be better off than he was on his own.So,he decided to return home.While he was still a long way off,his father saw him,and ran to him,threw his arms around him,and kissed him.The son pleaded with the father,asking forgiveness.He confessed that he had sinned against him,and that he was no longer worthy to be called his son.But the father had the best robe brought,put a ring on his finger,and sandals on his feet.They ate a great feast and celebrated. The older son heard the music and dancing and was furious! He asked his father why he never had such a big party for him when he had never left and had been faithful all these years.What the father said is awesome…”My son,you are always with me,and everything I have is yours.But we had to celebrate and be glad,because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again;he was lost and is found.” Friends,we are that lost son…we all freely chose to make our own decisions and live according to our own ways.But when we decide to come to him,and confess that we have sinned,and that Jesus is the rightful decision maker,the “Lord” of our lives…he doesn’t beat us down,or hurt us in any way.As a loving Father,He calls for the BEST robe,signifying the free gift of righteousness…He puts a ring with the family seal on our finger,signifying that His Spirit dwells in us sealing our fate in Heaven…and He puts sandals on our feet,signifying that we walk in newness of life(ETERNAL life!).He NEVER brings up our former life,or past sins again.He causes rejoicing and celebration in Heaven,because we were lost,but now we have been found. We were dead,but now we are alive.He celebrates…thats right,you are worth celebrateing…you are a celebrity to God! The older brother,people that have been going to church a long time,sometimes get angry with this message of God’s love…they sometimes try to add rules to our lives about going to heaven.They haven’t realized that like the older brother in the story, they are welcome to Heaven already! They are welcome to all its resources! God loves them freely,too. Friends,its so simple to receive a gift…why not trust Jesus today?I’m not telling you to be religious,or go to church,or to stop doing anything and behave a certain way…I’m simply saying that God gifted His Son…and if you believe in Him,you will NOT perish, but HAVE eternal life! All you have to do is say”Jesus,I’ve sinned,but I believe you can save me…from now on,You are Lord.” Friends,its that simple.Angels will be announcing your name in Heaven shouting and singing…your loved ones who have gone before you will be singing and thanking God that you’re on your way! What a glorious celebration! God loves you,and remember that. Don’t let anyone steal that assurance…He loved you so much,He gave Jesus for you.Always remember that,and that you’re going to Heaven because of Jesus,not because of your effort.People don’t go to Heaven or Hell based on whether their good or bad…its based on whether or not they believe in Jesus. That’s the difference between perishing and having eternal life.You’ve been invited to Heaven…its a free gift…you cant earn it,and you dont have to repay God. Just be thankful,and receive it.As you walk into Heaven one day,you will simply thank Jesus,and you’ll hear, “You’re welcome” in Heaven.

Daniel Carnes
DOC #404-171