05/06/2008: "Into Heaven"
I was recently watching a Christian channel on youtube with my dad and we watched as one guy was talking about a famous pastor who had an interview with Larry King. When Larry King asked point blank to what this pastor believes it would take for someone to get into heaven, the pastor fiddled a bit with the question and didn't directly answer. When Larry King asked if Jews, Muslims, Atheists would get into heaven based on his beliefs, again the pastor fumbled with the question. When it came time to receive phone calls, there was a caller who had nothing but praise for this pastor and yet she couldn't believe he wasn't being straightforward about getting into heaven.
"But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
- Romans 3:21-24
How is it that a famous pastor can fumble with a question in which Christianity is fundamentally based upon? We all "fall short of the glory of God" and can only enter heaven through Christ himself. It is this kind of belief that is dangerous, just as it is dangerous to believe that just by leading a good life but not accepting Christ as a personal savior is okay. This serves as a reminder to always keep your eyes open for the true message coming out of people's mouths. Yes, this man is a trusted pastor, but never let that be an excuse to not keep your eyes open and your ears hearing.
The hard truth is that it's not possible to enter heaven without accepting him. Having a kind heart is important, loving your neighbor is important. But you must remember that Christ is not just the doorway, he is the key. He is essential. And without him, we are nothing.