The Bridge (Secure your eternal destiny now while it is today)
When Jesus was asked by Pontius Pilate if He was the King of the Jews, He replied, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36).
God created the world, but He and His kingdom stand apart from it. When we are born, we belong to the world, not to God’s kingdom. Therefore, to come to God, we have to enter into His kingdom at some point in our lifetime before we die. We cannot expect to go to heaven, nor can we call ourselves children of God, unless we are also born spiritually. We are all God's creation, having been born physically, but becoming His child requires us to be born spiritually as well. Heaven is no one's default destination, and it is no one's reward. So, if we belong to the world, how do we cross over to the kingdom of God?
We need a bridge.
What does the bridge cross in the picture above? Think of the water as our sin. This is what separates man from God. Examples of sin are the following: lies, thefts, lust, sex before or outside of marriage, pornography, partying, drunkenness, using street drugs or abusing medications, covetousness, greed, materialism, gambling, worldly passions, self-ambitions, jealousy, maligning gossip, unjustified anger, causing divisions, taking the Lord's name in vain, dishonoring parents, adultery and fornication, lawlessness, murder, etc.). In order for man to approach God and enter into His kingdom, his sin, past, present, and future, must be paid for in God's prescribed manner; and.sin must also be forsaken. God is so Holy and righteous that He cannot overlook our sin, nor can He accept us with our sin, and He never would. Again, sin must be addressed in God’s prescribed manner, and this must be settled before we die. Otherwise, we will pay the price of our own sin in the lake of fire after we have passed from this world. This is damnation in the truest sense of the word, and it is a permanent state of suffering.
Now, before you think you are being picked on, know and understand that the guilt and accountability of our sin before God holds for everyone, as it is written, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." (Romans 3:23). What is the price of sin? It is the highest cost one could ever face. It is written, "For the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23), and also, "Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; the soul who sins shall die" (Ezekiel 18:4).
Our souls are eternal. So the two verses above are not just referring to our physical death, but a horrific state of being after we leave this world. The sentencing, or the judgement of God, is an eternal death. The Scriptures call it the "second death" (Revelation 2:11, 20:6, 20:14, and 21:8). This, of course, refers to being banished to hell. The price of sin is being resurrected after your physical death, sent before Jesus as your Judge, given an appropriate sentencing for a lifetime of sin, and then being cast alive, body and soul, into the lake of fire, and this in a body that never dies and in a fire that is never quenched.
With this degree of urgency, we had better address the question of what takes away our sin and our accountability for it. How can our slate be wiped clean? It is written, "And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22). Even so, it will be clear that the question would be better phrased, "Who takes away our sin?" Understand, it is not within our capacity to take away our own sin or that of others. We simply do not have the "currency" God requires to make payment for our sin this side of eternity, nor does anyone within our religions.
Let us finish that partial verse from above, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Sin has a price, and the price was paid 2000 years ago when Jesus was crucified. Jesus' death was payment for our sins through the shedding of His innocent blood, demonstrating the righteous judgement of God toward our sin while laying that wrath upon Jesus who never sinned. How judicial was the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on that Roman cross where He drank the cup of His Father's wrath for the world's sin? It was God's intention since before He created the world. It was blood atonement by substitution, a Holy sacrifice that God conceived, ordained, and accepted. It was a sacrificial death that no one else but Jesus could ever perform. It was complete payment and the reason why God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world. Jesus' death and resurrection from the dead back to life were well-prophesied throughout the Old Testament. Jesus shed His blood to make atonement for the world's sin once and for all, taking away the sins of many. Read the following narrative which includes words from Jesus the Savior to God His Father:
"Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said, 'Behold, I have come; in the volume of the book it is written of Me to do Your will, O God.' Previously saying, 'Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them' (which are offered according to the law), then He said, 'Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.' He takes away the first (covenant) that He may establish the second (covenant). By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:5-10, clarification added). This takes religious weight right off our shoulders. We do not, and cannot, make ourselves righteous with God through our religions.
Note from earlier that Jesus said to Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this world." The manner in which man enters into the kingdom of God originated with God and not with man. Man has no way to connect himself with God on his own, nor can he enter into God's kingdom on his own terms. God established the bridge, meaning a covenant, for us to come to Him. Man does not establish his own covenants with God in this matter.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). Put a mental circle around that last word, "Me." Now think of all that man has substituted for that one pronoun. Think of all the religions of the world that seemingly convey man into the kingdom of God. Religion is man's attempt at building his own bridge to God and into His kingdom. There have been countless unholy sacrifices offered in attempts to atone for sin. There have been great religious works made in the same vain. But, there is no acceptable sacrifice on man's part to atone for his sin, nor can man earn his way into God's kingdom through religious efforts and good works.
To eliminate sin, which is the barrier that exists between God and each individual, Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, was offered as an atoning sacrifice, and this by the will of God. This is the only sacrifice which is acceptable to God. Jesus bore all of the world's sin on that Roman cross, paying for it with His very life. Jesus was innocent, yet His blood was shed for sinners, paying the price of our sin for us through His atoning own death. Recall what was written earlier, "And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22). It becomes clear, then, that the responsibility of taking away our sin was placed in the pierced hands and brutalized body of Jesus Christ Himself. The settlement for the cost of our sin was strictly between God and Jesus, whom God sent into the world. This was the plan conceived by God even before He laid the foundations of this world. This is why Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life; and that we can only come to the Father through Him. Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Therefore, the bridge was built by God, and the "currency" for taking away our sin was the shed, innocent blood of Jesus Christ. Nothing but the blood of Jesus could ever take away our sin because it was an innocent and Holy blood atonement by substitution. It is the only God-ordained sacrifice for the world's sin by the One who knew no sin: "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Paul the apostle writes, "For it is by grace that you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our salvation is not through man's efforts, and it is not in man's capabilities to deliver himself out of the world and into the kingdom of God. The people asked Jesus, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" (John 6:28). "Jesus answered and said to them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent'" (John 6:29).
It is written, "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4). In other words, God established a covenant for mankind to enter into His kingdom, and now we have to receive Jesus in faith as the One sent by God. We then entrust our eternal soul to Jesus through His completed work of reconciliation.
Making atonement for our sin was God's responsibility. Therefore the object of our faith lies not in a "what" (our good deeds, our religious fervor or our own morality and honest lifestyle), but in a "Who," and that who cannot be you. God solved our sin problem for us, and our continued faith in that single act of God through Jesus Christ is what allows us to enter into God's kingdom. Our faith in Christ Jesus is accounted as righteousness.
Let us look at John 3:16-17, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:16-17). What did God want to save us from? That would be eternal condemnation. He wanted to save us from His own judgment, which would stand against and take into account our every sinful thought, word, and deed, and with it the sentencing to hell with no chance of parole. Once condemned - once judged by Jesus - there is no overturning the sentence. His judgment will stand for all of eternity. Can you imagine permanent day-by-day hunger, thirst, sleeplessness, physical agony in the lake of fire, depression, regret, remorse, hopelessness, wanting to no longer exist but having no way to end it all, and having no one to respond to your cries for help? Picture this as your never-changing, everlasting reality. Hell is a very real place, as is heaven. If you have any doubt about your eternal destiny, now is the time to reach out to God to secure it.
Now is when we cry out for help. Now is when we can be heard - now - as in today, this very moment in time. God the Father wishes that none would enter into this eternal punishment. What is the remedy? Now is the time to call on Jesus for forgiveness. Confess your sins to Him today. Look at the list of sins in the third paragraph of this webpage and note the ones you have committed over your lifetime. Look up the Ten Commandments in the Holy Bible (see Exodus chapter 20). These sins were an offense to God, and coming clean now is what God asks of you, to acknowledge your sin before Him and confess them with a heart of true sorrow. God knows your heart, whether it is sincere or not. If it is, come for forgiveness now, and ask Jesus to be your Savior. Jesus said, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out (John 6:37). If you wait until after you die, those same sins will be presented, and Jesus will have to judge them fairly, but without mercy, meaning you will have full accountability for them. Jesus' mercy is available to you now, and that is why this is the time to come to Him, as it is written, "For He says: 'In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).
If God has called you, and if you choose to come to Jesus for forgiveness with a sincere, repentant heart, then be assured that forgiveness awaits. Also, be absolutely convinced that forsaking your sin henceforth is a requirement and the proper response for having your sin and accountability cleared for you by Jesus Christ. After being cleansed and forgiven for a lifetime of offenses, how can you choose to continue walking in sin? It is written, "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1). Will we slip? Yes, but do not make your sins a lifestyle. The price of our sin that Jesus paid was far too high for us to continue so thoughtlessly in them.
Who is Jesus, really?
Since the object of our faith is to be Jesus, let us be sure we know who He is. In the following verses, we will see that Jesus is not only the Son of God, He is also God the Son. The deity of Jesus the Messiah, or the Christ, is clearly and convincingly conveyed throughout the Bible. Here are a few verses to lay hold of:
"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). Immanuel means "God with us," as explained in Mathew 1:23.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). Also, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
"For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one" (1 John 5:7).
"You are My witnesses,' says the Lord, 'And My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no savior' " (Isaiah 43:10-11).
"No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him" (John 1:18).
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
"But to the Son He (God the Father) says: 'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom'" (Hebrews 1:8, clarification added).
"And Thomas answered and said to Him, 'My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, 'Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed'" (John 20:28-29).
So you see, the bridge that leads to God and His kingdom is not our religion and religious efforts. It is not our own moral and upstanding lifestyle. The bridge is not a "what," it is a Who; and this bridge not only originated from God, the bridge is God - God the Son, Jesus Christ! It is written, "For in Him (Jesus) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9). Jesus is the bridge. He was the Word of God that was sent into our world in human form, taking on all the aspects of God and also of man. Jesus is our Redeemer, if we receive Him as both our Lord and Savior.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in Israel. In the native language, His name is Yeshua, and this name means "God's salvation." Therefore, trust your eternal soul to Jesus. Nothing more and nothing less grants our salvation. Our response is to believe this, as it is the basis of our faith. Faith has a look to it as it matures. We learn of Him from the Bible and walk in His ways, not the world's ways any longer; and we do this with all of our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and with all our strength.
This is our salvation: our faith in the One whose completed atoning work on the cross has freed us from the due penalty of our sin and in whose resurrection lies God's approval of that sacrifice. It was prophesied in the Scripture that the Christ should suffer and die, but that He would also rise from the dead. In fact, Jesus conveyed beforehand that He would not only die by crucifixion and be buried, but that He would rise again, taking back His life. Jesus said, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up (the reference to the crucifixion. See also Psalm 22), that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:14-15, clarification added). Also saying, "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father" (John 10:17-18).
Jesus' resurrection from the dead took place three days and nights after Jesus was buried, as He said, "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (Matthew 12:40). So we do not just have the prophesied death of the Christ, but also of His resurrection from the dead back to life, which signifies that His sacrifice was Holy and acceptable to God the Father. It also takes away any doubt that Jesus is God the Son, the Messiah sent by God the Father to be the Savior of the world. Who else could predict His own manner of death and a resurrection in a specific period of time, and then accomplish both? Further, how could this have been foretold repeatedly by God's prophets over the course of 1600 years if this were not of God?
With the work of our Savior completed, our adoption as God's son or daughter is made possible through our faith in who Jesus is and what He accomplished for us through His death and resurrection. It is this faith that makes Jesus' vicarious sacrifice applicable to our own salvation. Our faith, our very own, saves us from our sin: "In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach (accusation) in His sight" (Colossians 1:22, clarification added). If God is willing to see you this way, then you must also validate this through a belief that is mixed with faith, otherwise you will have believed the truth in vain: "For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it" (Hebrews 4:2). Yet, it is written, "But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12-13, clarification added).
Question: What is the requirement for us to enter into the kingdom of God by our own merit?
Answer: We would have to live a life as holy, as righteous, and as perfectly sinless as Jesus did Himself, and this for all of our days. Since no one has even come close - ever - we can clothe ourselves, instead, in the perfect righteousness of Christ Himself through our faith in Him, that He lived the life we could not and died an atoning death for us so we would not be condemned.
Therefore, I ask you, who do you now trust with your eternal soul?
"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
"For He says: 'In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).
"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13).
"Jesus answered and said to her, 'If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, "Give Me a drink," you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water'" (John 4:10).
"And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17).
If you are ready to receive God's gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, then it is time to call out to Him for forgiveness. It is written, "For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, 'Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.' For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For 'whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved'" (Romans 10:10-13).
If you would like some guidance, here is a prayer you can offer to the Lord. Please understand, this is not found anywhere in the Bible. There are no "magic" words we can speak to enter into God's kingdom. This prayer simply expresses what would be in a contrite, repentant heart that is seeking forgiveness and to become a child of God. Read it first, and if it reflects what is in your heart, then pray it:
Heavenly Father, I declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, and I believe in my heart that He rose from the dead by Your authority. I realize that my sins separate me from You and eternal life. I am sorry for my sins and ask that You forgive me. I know You can forgive me of my sins because Jesus paid for them with His very life and blood, taking them away. I truly believe that Jesus is Your Son who came from heaven to do just that. I thank You for this. I ask You, Lord Jesus, to count me as one under Your blood covenant. Therefore, come into me in spirit. Help me to surrender myself and allow You to guide me to a new life centered on Your written Word and Your will. It is through You that I can overcome anything in this life, as well as spiritual death. I ask this in the blessed and mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
If you sincerely prayed, congratulations! You have made the single most important decision of your life. Always remember, however, it is not saying the prayer that saves you, but rather your continuing faith in God's Savior, Jesus Christ. What accompanies true faith is love for Him, and what accompanies true love for Him is obedience.
Now, if you have received Jesus as the One sent by God the Father, who is called the Christ or the Messiah, which both mean the Anointed One of God, then be relentless in righteous living as an expression of your love and appreciation for what God has done for you. It is no longer obligation, which is the essence of religion, but of obedience, which is an expression of love. For the Lord Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15). Learn of God from the Scriptures and be fanatical about finding a full-Bible teaching, full-Bible believing church, and attend it regularly. God will give you a spiritual gift or several gifts to use in the service of His kingdom. So, get involved in the appropriate ministry or ministries, and by all means attend that church's weekly Bible study.
To grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to renew your mind and thinking from the ways of the world to the ways of the Lord, you will need to hear the word of God taught on a regular basis. And to make your calling and election sure, study the Scriptures and put into practice what is taught. Do not just be a hearer of God's word, but also be a doer of the word, as is written in James: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was" (James 1:22-24). This is the way to permanently change how you will think, speak, and act going forward. Departing from the ways of the world and being reoriented in the ways of the Lord is a sign of true repentance and conversion. It will open the doorway to living a life more in line with God's ways and intentions, which are good.
Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" (Matthew 7:21-23). What is lawlessness? "Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness" (1 John 3:4). This would be a person who believes they are walking with the Lord, but meanwhile has not forsaken their patterns of sin. There is no salvation for such a person.
Repentance from sin is the changing of our mind toward sin. Yes, sin is desirable and pleasurable, but only for a season. Do not be deceived. Habitual sin leads to eternal death. Therefore, forsake your sins, decisively casting them behind you. The Lord disdains hypocrisy. That would be like getting married and maintaining your previous romantic relationships. In the case of your walk with Christ, this would be spiritual adultery. No married man or woman should expect their spouse to tolerate an incessantly unfaithful lifestyle. In the same way, we cannot expect Jesus to tolerate us calling Him "Lord and Savior" while we remain entangled in the ways of the world and in our sin. The better way is this: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded" (James4:8). True Christianity is being a disciple of Christ, a disciplined student and follower of Christ. Learn from the Master and live in the way He has commanded His followers.
Going Forward
Read the Bible. Begin in the New Testament. Read a little every day and let God's Holy word begin to wash over you and through you. This is how false beliefs are dispelled and the lies of Satan and of the world are displaced by truth. This is God's truth, which is able to renew your mind and save your soul.
Pray to and Worship the Lord. As an adopted child of God rescued from spiritual blindness and eternal punishment, you have the privilege of speaking to the Almighty, the creator of the heavens and of the earth. Keep that perspective in mind. The Lord can see the true posture of your heart as He hears your words.
Attend Church Regularly. As you study the Scriptures, you will become more discerning in selecting a church. Not all that is preached is truth, and if the teacher is misguided, so will those who follow him. Jesus said, "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?" (Luke 6:39). Knowing God's Holy word from the Bible will help guide you in finding a full bible-believing, full Bible-teaching church. Meet the pastor there and tell him you are a new believer. Ask him about water baptism. The first steps of a new believer should lead right into the waters of baptism. Tell him you would like to discuss its significance beforehand. He should be more than happy to do so. Also, after you are baptized in water, ask about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is when God's power is bestowed upon you in order to live as a true follower of Christ. If the pastor or members of the congregation attempt to steer you away from this, then steer away from that church. Far too many churches and believers are missing this very important step, as we are not equipped in the natural to walk in the ways of the Lord.
Get Involved. God's people are meant to interact and serve with each other. The most special and valued relationships in life will now be with brothers and sisters in Christ. Again, be discerning. Not everyone attending church is genuine. There are weeds among Christ's true disciples. Just watch them closely. Read the following verse, as it is applicable for church leaders and church members alike: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:15-20).
Learn to Share Your Faith: This is called the Great Commission. Just before Jesus left to return to heaven, He gave this command to His apostles: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).
Listen to the Word. The renewing of our minds is so important after having our will, desires, habits, and beliefs shaped by so many things and people other than God and the Scriptures, and this over your past lifetime. It is most helpful to listen to a Gospel radio station in the daily commute or at home that has solid Biblical teaching. Again, be discerning. The radio has an advantage over some television preachers, as there is no big money to be made. This writing and the author are in no way affiliated with the Calvary Chapel denomination or the Hope FM radio network, but the author highly recommends visiting www.hopefm.net to find a local station or to download their app. The Salem Media Group also has great teachers and many stations. See www.salemmedia.com to find a station in your area. The author and this writing are in no way affiliated with the Salem Media Group. Also, find a station from the Family Radio radio network at www.familyradio.org. The author and this writing have no affiliation with the Family Radio radio network.
All the best and God bless!
